Henrietta R. Shepherd

Henrietta Geneva Rivers Shepherd was born on September 11, 1931 in Summerville (Dorchester County) South Carolina to the late Eugenia Limehouse Rivers and Henry Rivers.  She went to be with her God on Friday, June 15, 2019 at Richland Memorial Heart Center in Columbia, South Carolina.

Henrietta Geneva Rivers Shepherd attended public school in Summerville, SC.  She was a graduate of Alston High School, Class of 1951.  She married the love of her life, Leroy Shepherd in Summerville, South Carolina on July 11, 1951.  They moved to Columbia and started their family and life together.  To this happy union, 3 children were born: Leroy Jr., Loretta Maxine, and Constance Elaine. 

While living in Columbia, she worked in Custodial Services at the University of South Carolina.  Her next job was one she truly enjoyed -- at Richland County School District as a Cafeteria Cook and Server at Meadowfield Elementary School in Columbia.  She delighted in going to work every day and enjoyed the atmosphere of feeding children and watching them grow.  After 20 years, she retired from Meadowfield.  Shortly afterward, she went to work for the South Carolina Archive Association, where she stayed for 10 years.  Not one to rest on her laurels, Henrietta continued to work.  Her next job took her to the South Carolina Air National Guard (SCANG) Armory where she worked Custodial and Housekeeping Services.  She was well loved at SCANG and worked there where until her medical conditions rendered otherwise.

Henrietta Geneva Rivers Shepherd was dedicated to service.  She joined The Greater St. Luke Baptist Church more than 60 years ago and was dedicated and faithful.  She was a member of the Musical Choir (later named the Mass Choir) and served as Secretary for many years.  She was also a member of the Jubilee Choir, and the Senior Ministry.  For more than 30 years, she served on the Pastor Support Committee.  Henrietta was deeply loved and well-respected by many, many members of her church family. 

She was a member of District IV Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star (OES) #342.  She joined OES in October 1974.  In April 2012, her chapter presented her with a Certificate of Appreciation in celebration of 75 years of life and for providing committed service to the OES and to all humanity.

Henrietta is preceded in death by her loving husband, Leroy Shepherd, who went to see his God on January 21, 1961.  She is also preceded in death by her parents, Eugenia and Henry, and her eight siblings; 6 brothers:  David “Doodson” Rivers, Joseph ”Joe B” Rivers, William “Willie” Rivers, Wilson Rivers, Sinclair Rivers, Nathaniel Rivers and 2 sisters: Leola Rivers Arrington, and Eloise Rivers Francis.

She leaves behind a loving family to cherish precious memories.  Her 3 children: Leroy Shepherd, Jr., of Columbia, SC; Loretta Maxine Shepherd Glasgow, of Crestview, FL; and Constance Elaine Shepherd Goldsberry of Columbia, SC.  Her 7 beloved grandchildren: Leroy Shepherd III, Vonetta Deone Shepherd Cleckley Thorne, Anthony Isaac Evans II, Sophia Elizabeth Williams, Egeria Henrietta Goldsberry, Lettie Maxine Goldsberry, Shakirrah Elizabeth Goldsberry.  Her 2 great-grandchildren: Jackson Kinnard Thorne, and Sariyah Maria Goldsberry-Wilson, and one son-in-law, Clarence Bernard Williams of Crestview, FL.  She leaves a large family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends who will forever cherish her and remember her for the loving person she was. 

Throughout her life, Henrietta Geneva Rivers Shepherd was truly loved, admired and respected by all who knew her.  She was strong, she was tough gave unconditional love to her children and grandchildren; they can all attest that she NEVER gave up on them.  Her love and spirit is eternally with all of us.

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