Virginia Shepard Howell

Virginia “Jenny” Shepard Howell, age 94 died Monday, January 17, 2022 surrounded by family and friends at the McLeod Hospice House in Florence, SC. There is no doubt she was immediately welcomed into the arms of the Loving God she served faithfully throughout her life and was reunited with her family and friends awaiting her arrival.

Jenny was born in Darlington County, the daughter of Sedrick Samuel Shepard and Bessie Griggs Shepard. She was a graduate of St. John’s High School, worked ten years in the Rose’s Dime Store uptown, and retired from Nytronics.

An unpretentious and humble lady, Jenny loved and served the Lord, her church, family, relatives, friends, and neighbors. Her high school legacy noted, “If you need a friend, see Virginia.” She adored the town of Darlington where she spent all of her 94 years. Her brother, “The Mill Village Boy,” Bill Shepard referred to her as a “true Darlingtonian.”

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Brastice Howell and son, Keith Howell; brothers, Harry and Harvey Shepard and her sister, Elsie Swink. Surviving are her son, Sam “Sammy” (Ann) Howell of Cross Hill, SC; a granddaughter, Jennifer Cheek (Brad) and great-granddaughter, Jenna Cheek of Clinton, SC; a brother, Willie M. “Bill” Shepard of Piedmont, SC; a brother-in-law, Bobby Swink and a sister-in-law, Letha Larymore, both of Darlington. She leaves behind a host of nephews, nieces, and friends that she adored dearly. Following her sister’s death, Jenny felt a special call to be there for her sister’s children, Michael Buck and Robin Young and cherished them as if they were her own.

Jenny wanted to express her appreciation and love for “my beloved neighbors who kept a watchful eye on me.” The family wishes to also express their appreciation to Dr. Brian Heaster for his very professional and personable care for her many years and the wonderful nurses, techs, and support staff that took such tender and compassionate care of her in the McLeod Hospice House. God sends Angels when we need them.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Calvary Baptist Church in Darlington, SC with burial in Grove Hill Cemetery following the service. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 at the church prior to the service.

Jenny would want us to always remember to “love one another” and asked that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 505 W. Smith Ave, Darlington, SC 29532.

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