We have been made aware that families being served by Fox & Weeks are being contacted by individuals requesting payment over the phone. Fox & Weeks will not contact a family requesting payment over the phone. Please contact the Savannah Police Department immediately if you are contacted and asked to make payment over the phone. Please contact Fox & Weeks if you have any questions.
Celebrating the life of
Patricia O'Hayer Sheppard
June 10, 1938 - December 28, 2024
Patricia O’Hayer Sheppard, 86, a native of Savannah, passed away Saturday, December 28, 2024 at home surrounded by family. She was born June 10, 1938, daughter of the late William H. O’Hayer, Jr. and Mary Russell O’Hayer, and preceded in death by her husband, John M Sheppard.
A 1956 graduate of St. Vincent’s Academy, “Patty” went on to pursue a career in nursing, training at St. Joseph’s school of nursing in Savannah. Her distinguished career as a registered nurse led her to roles in hospitals, nursing homes, and eventually Assisted Living administration, where she touched the lives of countless patients, families, and employees. Above all, Patty’s greatest pride and joy was her family. The matriarch of our family, “Nanny” was unwavering in her support, compassion, and love to all. Her nurturing presence was a constant comfort in times of need, and her laughter brought light to every gathering. Her tireless energy was unmatched, and her dedication to care made her the one you wanted by your side if you were sick. Married to John McDonough Sheppard (deceased 2008), better known as “Jack” or “Pop”, she built a life centered on family, and surrounded by close friends. Their enduring love stands as a beautiful example of commitment through life’s joys and challenges.
She is survived by her sister and best friend, Sr. Gilmary O’Hayer, RSM; children, Sean Sheppard (Jennifer), and Katherine Sheppard Weeks (Brad); grandchildren, Shannon Weeks Meier (Andrew), Megan Weeks Harris (Sean), Riley Sheppard (Garrett), Matthew Weeks, and Anya Sheppard; two great-grandchildren, Margaret Katherine Meier, and Ian Patrick Meier; and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 2, 2025, followed by a 10:00 a.m. Memorial Mass at Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist with Msgr. J. Gerard Schreck, Celebrant. Interment will be in the Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Patricia O’Hayer Sheppard to Saint Vincent’s Academy, 207 East Street, Savannah, GA 31401.
Aunt Patty was a joy to be around. She gave me much needed advice as a teenager and was always wise and loving. She will be missed dearly. I know she is glad to be with Jack (Pops) now.
- Erin Sheppard Joyce, Metter, GA
Dear Kathy and family. Please accept our deepest sympathy condolences and prayers on the passing of your dear Mom. May her soul Rest In Peace
- Chris Desa, Savannah , GA
Johnny and I are saddened to hear. Our deepest condolences. May God Hold her in the Palm of His Hand.
- Susie Russell, Savannah, Ga
I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I remember her singing at the Cathedral with us when Patty Schreck was there. May God's peace be with you and your family during this time.
- Carol and William Ray, SAVANNAH, GA
Dear Kathy, Sean, Trudy, and family, I am so very sorry for your loss of Patty. You have my deepest sympathy. Having shared many wonderful times with Patty and Jack over the years are memories that I hold dear. Please be assured of my prayers. May God lead you through your sorrow and Patty rest in peace. Lovingly, Sister Susan
- Sister Susan Arnold Harms, Savannah, GA
Trudy, so sorry to read of Patty's death. May she rest in peace.
- Marie Green Bryant, Savannah, GA
Because Patty embraced all us Sisters of Mercy as family, we shall miss her also greatly. I am ever grateful that Trudy, Sister Denis Marie and I had a delightful visit with her a couple of weeks ago. As our foundress Catherine McAuley said, "Shall we all meet in heaven, oh what a joy to even think of it." Sister Deborah
- Sister Deborah Kennedy RSM, Mobile, AL
Trudy so sorry to read about Patty.You are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
- CAROLYN Louise EMERICK, SAVANNAH, GA
I am deeply saddened at the news of Patty's death and extend my deepest Sympathy to her entire Family at this most difficult of times She was a Life long friend and simply, the Best of the BEST. May she rest in the Peace of Christ and Mary Immaculate forever
- Jack Daniels, Tybee Island, GA
My thoughts and prayers are offered for Trudy, the Weeks and Sheppard families. Patty was such a loving spirit and caring person. I will miss her as I know her family will as well. I will cherish our times together.
- Mary Anne Butler, Tybee island, GA
May the love of family and friends give each of you comfort, and the love of God give each of you peace. Patty will be remembered by so many. Love and prayers.
- Sr. Regina An Hatton, Mobile, Alabama
To Patty’s family, I knew Patty years ago and she was always such a sweet, kind person. Jack Sheppard was my cousin. We lost touch after adulthood, marriage and my moving away. I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.
- Carolyn Yokum Beebe, Savannah, GA
I’m married to one of Patty’s many, many cousins and we live out of town. Whenever we came to Savannah, Patty always welcomed me so warmly. She truly made me feel like family. We made it a point to see her each time we visited because she was so personable, fun, entertaining, and loving. What a blessing it was to have known her. No doubt she will be missed by so many. Kathy, Sean, Trudy you are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Pattie Ford, Evanston, IL
was in the class with patty and we were sent to pittsburg ,pa together for our psychology orientation . the nurses dorm had a swimming pool in the basement and together we took a red cross life saving course and had a great time during the event. i remember she was very strong and i had a hard time getting her under control so i could "save" her and get her to shore. fond memories, sorry to learn of her passing.
- bettilu stewart smith, wadley, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Visitation
- 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. on Thu, January 02, 2025
- Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
-
222 East Harris Street (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31401 - 912-233-4709
- Memorial Mass
- 10:00 a.m. on Thu, January 02, 2025
- Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
-
222 East Harris Street (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31401 - 912-233-4709
- Burial
- on Thu, January 02, 2025
- Catholic Cemetery
-
1420 Wheaton St. (map)
Savannah GA 31401