Katie Imogene (Jean) Pinkston 92, of Hernando, Ms passed away on September 14, 2026. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Pinkston. She leaves 5 children: Marilyn Clark (Billy), Teri Sheppard, LeAnn Choi (Steve), Lonnie Sheppard (Judy) and Tim Sheppard (Stacey), all of Memphis. She leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Jean was born in Cherry Valley, Ark in 1934 to the parents of Willie Rosevelt and Irene Mercer. She is preceded in death by 5 siblings; Hansel Sheppard, Margaret Watlington, Ruby Cook, Betty Rodgers, and Verna House. She leaves behind 3 siblings: Bill Mercer, Martha James and Tom Mercer.

Jean moved to Memphis in 1952. She spent most of her early years raising her 5 children; until she started working at FedEx in 1977. She worked at FedEx for 16 years, before retiring from a Managers position in 1993. Her interest included sewing, traveling, gardening, bowling and watching the Memphis Tiger basketball team. She was always an athlete; played basketball and softball growing up, was the Tennessee State Woman’s Bowling Champion, and even participated in several Senior Olympic Games, where she medaled in bowling and running events. Jean was an avid University of Memphis supporter, and a season basketball ticket holder for decades.

Family was very important to Jean. For many years she hosted the Mercer family Thanksgiving, a tradition together keep the Mercer families in touch Thanksgiving celebration, could include 50-70+ family members, and the more that showed, the happier she was. She carried many titles in her life, such as; Daughter, Sister, Wife, Friend, Aunt, Boss, Mother-in-law and Grandmother. Yet, her greatest accomplishment, and title she cherished most is, Mother.

Services will be held at Forest Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park East, at 2440 Whitten Road, in Memphis, Tn.. Visitation at 9:00 and Service at 10:00, with burial following.