ENROLLED ORIGINAL
A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
May 4, 2021
To recognize and honor S. Patrice Sheppard, years of service to low-income and at-risk
families, the faith-based community, co-founder of Lydias House; and, as co-
founder and pastor of Living Word Church in Ward 8.
WHEREAS, on October 7, 1950, S. (Steffanie) Patrice Newman was born a
fourth generation Washingtonian, from the union of Thomas and Annie May Newman;
WHEREAS, S. Patrice Sheppard is the great granddaughter of Kelly Miller, Dean
of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of math and sociology at Howard
University; and, the first African American student to enroll at Johns Hopkins University;
WHEREAS, S. Patrice Sheppard pursued degrees in business management and
marketing from Southeastern University in Washington, DC; and, the University of the
District of Columbia, respectively;
WHEREAS, Mrs. Sheppard served as the Deputy Executive Director for the
National Association of Minority Contractors. She also held positions in the Office of the
Secretary and Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development in
the District of Columbia;
WHEREAS, in 1990, S. Patrice Sheppard co-founded Lydias House a faith-
based organization along with her husband Eugene Sheppard, Pastor of Living Word
Church to encourage, educate and empower children and families in the District of
Columbia;
WHEREAS, as Executive Director of Lydias House, Mrs. Sheppard led the
mission of Lydias House to improve the quality of life for low-income and at-risk
children and families living in far southwest and southeast neighborhoods known as
Anacostia, Congress Heights, Bellevue and Washington Highlands;
WHEREAS, under Mrs. Sheppards leadership, Lydias House grew its programs
and services to provide after-school education for hundreds of children ages 6-12,
technology-based skill development and entrepreneurial training for older youth ages 13-
21, as well as substance abuse and teen pregnancy prevention programs, adult literacy,
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welfare-to-work job readiness training, employment referrals; and, food and clothing
provisions;
WHEREAS, Lydias House was the only Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) approved housing counseling and faith-based agency in Bellevue, and one of only
two housing counseling agencies in Ward 8. Through her leadership, Lydias House
made it possible for thousands of first-time home buyers to purchase property in the
Washington Metropolitan area;
WHEREAS, in 1990 she co-founded Living Word Church with her husband
Pastor Eugene Sheppard located in Ward-8 with congregants as far as South Africa and
the Dominican Republic. She later became a pastor, affectionately known as Pastor P
and then Executive Pastor;
WHEREAS, in 2000, Mrs. Sheppard became Executive Director the Far SW/SE
Community Development Corporation, and led the development of Trinity Plaza
comprised of 49 units of affordable 1 to 3 bedroom apartment housing units and
commercial space which includes a much needed pharmacy and day-care facility;
WHEREAS, S. Patrice Sheppard was married to Pastor Eugene Sheppard for
nearly 34 years. Together they have 5 children and are the proud grandparents of 13
grandchildren and great-grandparents of 6 great-grandchildren.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That
this resolution may be cited as the S. Patrice Sheppard Posthumous Memorial
Recognition Resolution of 2021.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia posthumously recognizes and
honors the life of S. Patrice Sheppard for her outstanding career and contributions to
residents of the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
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