Alma Jean Boyd was born on August 28, 1936, in Elberton, Georgia, as one of 11 children born to the late William and Allean Hester.

Alma married early in life to Ollie Boyd (deceased), who passed away early in their marriage. From that union, two children were born: Beverly Boyd and Zachary Boyd (deceased). She later met and married Randell McShepard (deceased), and from that union Randell McShepard II was born.

Alma worked in a variety of capacities over her lifetime, including as a housekeeping supervisor at the Shaker House Hotel, in light manufacturing at Fisher Body, and in facilities services for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, where she retired after 22 years of service. She purchased her first rental property in 1966 and owned and managed a total of three rental properties for decades, two of which were multi-unit properties. She was known for showing special compassion and care to her many tenants over the years.

Alma was a devoted Jehovah’s Witness and remained faithful to her beliefs until the end. She had two passions that everyone will always remember and appreciate: growing a wide variety of flowers and vegetables, and cooking. Alma was known for her excellent cooking skills and hosted an annual “nieces and nephews” dinner for 18 consecutive years — a feast that family and friends looked forward to every year. She also participated in many Rib Cook-Off events in the Cleveland area, where she often won prizes and received wide acclaim for her delicious food. Everyone looked forward to any opportunity to dine at Alma’s home.

Alma was preceded in death by her son, Zachary Boyd (Jeri), and siblings Bud, Nelson, Wallace, Roger, Gifford, and Bessie.

She is survived by two of her three children: daughter Beverly Boyd and son Randell McShepard II (Gail); stepson William Boyd; stepdaughter Mary Boyd (deceased); grandchildren Daniel Boyd, Anthony McShepard, Madison McShepard, Avery McShepard, Cheyenne Boyd, and India Burns; siblings Ira Hester (Mary), Enis Hester (Marge), Evelene Weerasekera, and Naomi Stone; great-grandchildren Cameron Graham, Canaan Graham, and Callie Graham; and a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.