Mrs. Lavena Benefield Sheppard, age 97, of Thomaston GA, died Friday, December 17, 2021, at her residence.

Mrs. Sheppard was born on February 24, 1924, in Birmingham, Alabama, to the late Thomas Benefield, and the late Lavada Cole Benefield.  She was a homemaker and a member of Clarks Chapel Baptist Church.  Mrs. Lavena was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.  In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband, Candler Sheppard; daughter, Brenda Gail Sheppard;  sons, James Larry Sheppard Sr and Henry Thomas "Tom" Sheppard Sr; and brother, Kermit Benefield.

Survivors include her daughters, Janice (Edward) Boggs of Thomaston and Cathy (Kevin) Corley of Thomaston; son, Ronny Sheppard or Thomaston; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 19, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Southview Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 18, 2021, from 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. at Coggins Funeral Home.