Peggy Ann Shepard's Obituary
The world lost a beloved mother, Peggy Ann Shepard, age 72, Tuesday, July 26, 2022. She was born November 30, 1949 in Muskegon to Richard and Elaine (Allen) Harkness. In her early years, she worked as a beautician after earning her cosmetology license and then transitioned to the Muskegon Regional Center and was employed there from 1978-1990. She then moved to Holt after accepting a Departmental Technician position for the State of Michigan, which she retired from in 2010. It was there she met, and later fell in love with James “Terry” Shepard. On November 24, 1999, she and Terry married in Hilton Head, SC. He preceded her in death on August 28, 2019. Peggy loved arts and crafts, with a passion for scrapbooking like none other. She always had her camera near to capture all of her life’s blessings. Peggy was also an avid reader, anything written by Stephen King, along with the Harry Potter series had been in her hands multiple times. Music always filled Peggy’s home regardless of whatever else she may have been doing and she had lists of her favorite songs and artists in every corner. Peggy and Terry spent three months every year wintering in Lake Havasu City, AZ and two weeks over Thanksgiving in Hilton Head, SC. Peggy loved life and some of the simplest things in it. Her smile was infectious and her heart was made of gold. The love she had for her children and family was fierce and unshakeable. Peggy is survived by two sons: Bradley (Melissa) Jolman of Twin Lake and Mark Smith of Muskegon; three grandchildren: Aric Smith, Hayden Jolman, and Parker Jolman; her mother, Elaine Harkness of Grand Haven; two brothers: James Harkness of Muskegon and Joe (Chris) Harkness of Negaunee, MI; two sisters: Janet (Robert) Sobish of Fruitport and Julie (Pat) Sorenson of Muskegon; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her father, Richard Harkness; brother, John Harkness; and sister, Sharon (Bill) Phillips. A MEMORIAL SERVICE for Peggy will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, August 4, 2022 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100. VISITATION with the family will be from 5-7 PM Wednesday, August 3, 2022 and also one hour prior to the service on Thursday morning. Burial will take place in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Spectrum Health Hospice. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
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