Esther Jean Sheffield Ballard was born to Charlie Sheffield of Houston, Texas and Almeta Richard Sheffield of Jeanerette, Louisiana on June 8,1935. She was the baby girl of four children, Robert Lee Sheffield, Hortense Sheffield Whiting and Charles Richard Sheffield.

She was born in Houston, Texas on June 8, 1935 and left to be with the Lord on March 28, 2024 surrounded by family and friends. Ms. Jean was educated in the Houston Independent School District and attended Dogan Elementary, E.O. Smith and Wheatley High School. Ms. Jean married Andrew Ballard and began her working career. She loved to read and her passion for learning led to a career as an Educational Assistant for HISD. She later became an Owner/Operator at the Yellow Cab Company; She retired in 1995 due to health concerns.

Her love for Christ and generous heart touched the lives of so many. Her presence will be forever missed. Ms. Jean is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Charlie Sheffield and Almeta Richard Sheffield Wilkes, grandparents, Lily Bell Brazos Sheffield and Solomon Sheffield; her siblings, Hortense Sheffield Whiting, Charles Richard Sheffield; her children, Edward Charles Ballard and Karen Ann Sheffield; and grandchildren, Kristy Roberts, Patrick Charles Murphy and KB Brown II; longtime friends, Geraldine Collins, Ruby Smith, Gracie Lewis and Avalon Robinson. She is survived by her siblings Robert Lee Sheffield, Sheila Shannon Sheffield; children, Kathy Ballard Blueford Daniels (Joe Daniels), Dwight Wayne Ballard, Ronnie Nicholas Ballard, Lisa Ballard Foley (Bernard Foley), Keith Sheffield, Joseph Kevin Ballard (Ora Ballard), Tami Kay Ballard; and special friends Hattie "Money" Washington, Annie Gilliam and Doris Clay.

Esther Jean Sheffield Ballard departed this life March 28, 2024. Visitation Saturday April 6, 2024, from 9-11am. Funeral 11am. Services will be held at Greater Mt. Nebo B. C. 5005 Liberty Rd. Interment Cemetery Beautiful.