Helen Dodds Sheppard

Helen Dodds Sheppard, 88, of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina entered into eternal rest, on October 22, 2017, surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Born November 11, 1928 in Charleston, SC, she was the daughter of the late John Joseph Dodds and Loretta Hennessy Dodds. She was a 1945 graduate of Bishop England High School, where she played basketball.

It was at a Christian USO dance where Helen first met Ed Sheppard, a handsome Air Force officer from Key West who, by Helen’s accounts, was an excellent dancer. They went on to be married in May of 1956. After Ed passed away in 1975, Helen raised her five young children with steadfast support from her family and friends.

Helen retired from SCE&G where she was an Executive Administrative Assistant for many years. In her retirement, she played Bridge, was an avid reader, and remained active in her church.

As one of the first Eucharistic Ministers for Christ Our King Church, Helen would visit the sick and elderly and bring them communion. She also started and organized the Lazarus Committee, a group of volunteers who prepared meals for families after funerals. She was a member of the church’s women’s club, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour (OLOPS). Throughout her years, she served on the Church Council, as well as numerous committees and clubs for the COK church and school.

Helen was passionate about her family. She cherished not only her five children and five grandchildren, but also her siblings, cousins, nephews, nieces, and Godchildren. She took great pride in their accomplishments and their successes brought her immense joy.
Many people around Mount Pleasant will remember Helen as the sweet southern lady who called everyone “Darlin’.” However, those who knew her best called her Mom, Nona, Aunt Helen, Auntie Helen, Miss Helen, Helen, Mrs. Sheppard, and Hurricane Helen.
She is survived by her three sons: Robert Edward (Rhonda) Sheppard, Alan Joseph (Carmen) Sheppard, Edward B. (Leanne) Sheppard, Jr.; two daughters Rosanne Sheppard and Judy Sheppard. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Corey Stephen Chavis, Sarah Hennessey Sheppard, Jordan Anne Sheppard, Alston James Sheppard and Mason Berlin Sheppard.

She also had a large extended family: Steve Chavis, Mary Stewart Murphy, Mandy Hambrook (Colin), Marc Chavis (Micki), Carlie Murray (Bill), Gary Clark Banks IV(Kenzie), William Collins Banks(Lauren) and 9 Great Grandchildren.

Helen was predeceased by her husband, Edward Berlin Sheppard, her brothers: James Bernard Dodds, Lawrence Arloisius Dodds, Hugh George Dodds and John Joseph Dodds, Jr., as well as her sisters: Elizabeth Dodds Jacobs, Mary Loretta Dodds Moore and Carolyn Dodds McDonald.

A visitation will be held Thursday, October 26, 2017 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, with a Rosary at 5:15pm at MCALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, MT. PLEASANT CHAPEL.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, October 27, 2017 at 11:00 am at Christ Our King Catholic Church, 1122 Russell Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. The Rite of Committal will immediately follow at Mt. Pleasant Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Our King Stella Maris School.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted to www.mcalister-smith.com

Arrangements entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 1520 RIFLE RANGE ROAD, MT. PLEASANT SC 29464, 843-884-3833