Laura E. Sheppard, 61, of Columbia, died Tuesday, February 11, 2014. Born October 10, 1952 in Columbia, SC, she was a daughter of the late Col. Eddie Raiford Elkin and Doris Faust Elkin. A graduate of Columbia High School, Laura was a member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church, and had worked in real estate property management in the Columbia area for over 10 years.

Survivors include her husband of 35 years, Stephen P. Sheppard; son, Jason Eric Sheppard and wife, Kathleen, of Belton, SC; daughter, Kristen Elizabeth Sheppard of Myrtle Beach, SC; grandson, John Eric Sheppard; sister, Jackie Sigmon and husband, Mike, of Greensboro, NC; and brother, Simon E. Elkin and wife, June, of West Columbia. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Madeline Rai Sheppard.

A funeral service for Mrs. Sheppard will be held 2 o'clock, Saturday, February 15, 2014 at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 403 Park Road, Lexington, with The Rev. Fr. L. Howard Maltby officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5 until 7 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, 5202 Colonial Drive, Columbia. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, or to St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 403 Park Road, Lexington, SC 29072.