KINSTON | Julia Sandlin Shepherd, 97, of 1897 Greene Haynes Road, passed away Monday, March 2, 2015, at her home. She was born on August 5, 1917, and was preceded in death by her parents, Rufus and Lucinda Bryant Jones of Wilson Mills in Johnston County; her husbands, George W. Sandlin and Ervin Harper Shepherd; sons, Odell Sandlin, James Ray Sandlin, Bobby Gene Sandlin, William "Billy" Sandlin; and four infant children. Julia was an original member of Revival Mission Church and an ordained minister for more than 50 years. She has written articles in the Goldsboro News-Argus and Kinston Free Press. She has been published in Poetic Voices of America and written and published From the Heart of Julia, a book of poetry. She hosted a gospel hour radio program at WELS and WISP radio on Sunday morning for several years. The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at Garner Funeral Home with the funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Jimmy Horne officiating. Interment will follow in Pinelawn Memorial Park. Survivors include her children, Georgia Sandlin Hudler and husband Jimmie, Carol Sandlin Henderson and husband Dwight, Beverly Sandlin Deaver and husband John, Gary Sandlin and wife Judy, Deborah Sandlin Bass and husband Glen, Linda Sandlin Johnson and husband Herman, Tammy Sandlin Perez and husband Max; daughter-in-law, Geraldine Floyd Sandlin; 25 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren and 34 great-great-grandchildren. Online condolences may be made to garner-funeralhome.com . Garner Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Sign the guest book at Kinston.com