Mrs. Connie E. Sheppard of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida formerly of Americus, Georgia passed away Monday, December 23, 2024.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary of the Friendship Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Eastview Cemetery in Americus, Georgia.

Connie Elaine Hopkins Sheppard, a beloved wife and mother,  whose life journey began on May 30, 1958, in Americus, Georgia. Born to John T. Finch and Annie Ruth Ingram Hopkins, Connie grew up in a nurturing environment. She pursued her education in the local public school system, graduating from Americus High School in 1976.

Connie's spiritual journey started early in her life when she was introduced to the Lord. She initially joined Allen Chapel AME Church in Americus, Georgia, and later became a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life and provided her with strength and guidance.

Her commitment to community was evident through her involvement with the Elks Lodge and the Order of Eastern Stars. Connie impacted many lives along the way.

Connie's professional life was marked by diligence and resilience. She devoted over a decade of service to the Davidson Textron   Rubber Company. After the company's closure, Connie continued her career in healthcare at Sumter Regional Hospital and other medical facilities.

Her journey then led her to Fort Lauderdale, where she became an integral part of the Broward County School System and the Broward County Election Office. Her work was characterized by her unwavering dedication and a warm, welcoming spirit.

Connie's personal life was enriched by her marriage to Larry Sheppard. Together, they built a loving family.  Her life was a testament to faith, love, and service.

On December 23, 2024, Connie departed this life to be with the Lord, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness. She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepdaughters, Yolonda Fletcher and Volisa Cross, and her brothers Arthur Lee Hopkins, Curtis Hopkins, Ernest Lee Hopkins, Charlie Hopkins, and Gregory Moss.

She leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of her family:  her husband, Larry Sheppard; her  sons, Charles Hunt, Jr. of Albany, Georgia, and Montrell Rashad Sheppard of Jacksonville, Florida; her 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; her sister, Catherine Hill of Atlanta, Georgia; her brother, John Hopkins of Americus, Georgia; her sisters-in-law,  Bertha (Walt) Bruce and Inez Battle of Americus, Georgia; her brother-in-law, Willie James Sheppard of Columbus, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including Sebrina Hopkins Pitts, Carmen Birdsong, Keisha Hill, Shirley Marshall, Frances Floyd, and Sherrand Manigult.