Howard Shepherd

Howard Shepherd was born on January 13, 1945, to Charles Jenkins and Margaret (Shepherd) Washington. He was lovingly raised by his grandparents, and Deulah and Moses Shepherd, in Summerville, South Carolina, where he developed the values of independence, self-reliance, and perseverance that guided his life.

From an early age, Howard valued education and hard work. He attended and graduated from Austin High School and later pursued trade studies at Denmark Technical College, where he became a master barber. At the age of 21, in 1964, he moved to New York on his own, driven by determination and a desire to honor and give back to his grandparents.

While living in New York, Howard met and married the love of his life late wife Martha, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage until her passing in 2023. During this time, he worked for New York State Corrections while also practicing his trade as a master barber. In 1993, he retired and returned to his hometown of Summerville, South Carolina. In 2006, he relocated to Georgia to be closer to family.

Howard lived life on his own terms. He was known for pursuing the pleasures of his heart and believed life was meant to be lived fully. He often said, “Live and live good,” a phrase that perfectly captured his outlook on life. He stood firmly on knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and love, believing the world owed him nothing—and that whatever he didn’t get, he didn’t want. In his quieter moments, he found joy in reading and talking, sharing stories, wisdom, and conversation with anyone willing to listen.

He was preceded in death by his siblings Isaac Washington, and Sandra Washington, as well as his uncles Roosevelt Shepherd, Leroy Shepherd and Ossie Shepherd.He leaves to cherish his memory his siblings: Carolyn Washington of Augusta, Georgia; Henrietta and Kerry Goolsby of Illinois; John Washington and his wife Orasa of Augusta, Georgia; and Eugene Washington of Augusta, Georgia.

He is also survived by his aunts and uncles: Virginia Rivers, Moses Shepherd Jr., Deulah Coardes, Henrietta Divens, Vernell Shepherd.

Howard leaves behind his children, Howard and Yolanda, and his stepchildren, Robert, Arnett, and Lindee. He was a proud grandfather to Howard, Heaven, Vienna, Nevaeh, Nasir, Samir, Elias, Enyah, Enidia and Eien, and a loving great-grandfather to Harlow.

He also leaves behind a host of cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever remember his strength, wisdom, and unmistakable love