Anne Dismukes Shepard

1940 - 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Anne Elizabeth Dismukes Shepard on Sunday December 7, 2025. Anne leaves behind two daughters, Sarah Bowles Shepard Merritt (Columbus, GA, husband Stan) and Morrie Killian (Portsmouth, NH, husband Glen), and her two grandchildren, Logan and Bradley Killian.

Born in Columbus, GA, Anne was the daughter of the late Arthur Forman Dismukes and Florence Henrietta Barber Dismukes ("Flo"). She grew up with two brothers, Paul Fitzgerald Dismukes (Asheville NC, wife Chris) and the late Arthur Forman Dismukes, Jr, affectionately known as "Tuffy." Anne's father, Forman, doted on her, calling her "Penny" because she was , in his eyes, his treasured "shiny penny." Throughout her life they shared an extraordinary bond.

As a child, Anne was a student at St. Elmo Elementary School in Columbus. Later, she graduated from Columbus High School. After high school, she set off for university, first attending Sweet Briar College, then George Washington University, and later Auburn University.

After earning her BA in history from Auburn, Anne moved to Atlanta where she worked for Eastern Airlines as a gate agent. While in Atlanta, she was introduced to the late Kirk Shepard Jr. They were married and went on to have two daughters, Sarah and Morrie, and the family ultimately settled in Jacksonville, Florida.

After Anne and Kirk divorced in the late 1970's, Anne and her daughters moved to Atlanta where she worked as a travel agent. After a few years, she moved back to Columbus with Sarah and Morrie. While in Columbus, Anne earned an MBA from Columbus College (now Columbus State University) where she graduated at the top of her class.

After her daughters finished high school in Columbus, Anne moved to St. Simons Island, Georgia to be closer to her parents, who had relocated to the "Island" in the mid-1970s. On St. Simons, Anne made many good friends and enjoyed a thriving social life � something that, until then, she had not known. It was there that Anne met the late Anne Bozovich (known as AnnieB by close friends), with whom she went on to develop a lifelong friendship.

Anne and AnnieB became best friends and shared many adventures together, including several trips to Las Vegas where they enjoyed the slots as well as seeing artists perform-including their favorite, Celine Dion. AnnieB was always looking out for Anne-as well as for Anne's Mother, "Flo," and the family is deeply indebted to her for the support that she gave.

Anne was an extremely warm and loving person. She raised her daughters with love and dedication. She could always be counted on to share her contagious smile and unrelenting positivity.

Anne was also incredibly brave and strong. She faced myriad difficulties and challenges in life, including a 55-year battle with Type I diabetes, which sent her to the ER and ICU many times. Despite the difficulties that she endured, both in life itself and with her health, Anne loved life, was always up for an adventure, and never lost her faith. All who knew her adored her. She was an undeniably beautiful person, both inside and out. She is and will continue to be sorely missed by those who loved her, and she will live in our hearts for eternity.

Anne is survived by her daughters, grandchildren, and her brother Paul.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday December 19, 2025 at Christ Church Frederica, St. Simons Island, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a gift to the American Diabetes Association or the American Alzheimer's Association.