Esther Lynn Shepard Nelson, 66 of Jacksonville, passed away Friday evening at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. She served proudly for the Onslow County EOC as an E-911 dispatcher since July 1992 with 20 years of service with many years as supervisor until she retired in October 2012. A short 11 months later, she returned to the Onslow County Sheriff's Office to continue working for the county part-time in the weapons permit department until Dec 2021.  She was known and loved by many in the community, and will be missed by all who knew her.

A service will be held on Thursday January 27 at 2:00 PM at Lighthouse Baptist Church on Hwy 53 with Rev. Phil Shepard officiating. Visitation will be held from 12pm – 2pm, 2 hours prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Scott Shepard Family Cemetery.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents Norman and Elizabeth Shepard and her sister Katie Tryzenski. She is survived by her daughters Crystal Reid and husband Steven of Jacksonville and Melissa Harrell and husband Danny of Jacksonville; brother Roy Shepard and wife Carole of Jacksonville; grandchildren Amber Garden and husband Daniel, Justin Reid and wife Sarah, Cassidy Zimmerlee, Bryson Reid, and Sierra Gerganous and husband Justin; great grandchildren Nolan Reid, Sutton Reid, Sawyer Reid, and Gracie Garden, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.