Cheraw, SC

Sheppard “Shep” Funderburk Straughn, 89, peacefully passed away at home on February 11, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith and devotion to family. Born in Washington, D.C., she was the beloved daughter of the late Dr. Issac “I.S.” Funderburk and Ruth McPherson Funderburk of Cheraw, SC and the cherished wife of the late John Straughn.

Shep was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church, where she found deep joy in worship and fellowship and was an active participant in The Fred & Lorraine Harris Sunday School Class. She earned her teaching degree from Coker College and went on to touch countless lives during her 25 plus years teaching history at Cheraw High School.

Shep was a devoted fan of the Clemson Tigers, attending many games in person and rarely missing one on television. She enjoyed time with her friends in the Red Hat Society, Book Club, and Bridge Club, where laughter and fellowship were always close at hand.

Some of her happiest days were spent at Ocean Isle Beach, enjoying the ocean and beach alongside family and friends. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—daily walks and gathering loved ones for Mother’s Day and birthday fish fries filled with warmth and laughter. Above all, she treasured the time she spent with her children and grandchildren, who were the greatest blessing of her life.

She is survived by her sons, Duncan (Jan) Laney of Cheraw, SC, Claude (Sandra) Laney of Pomaria, SC, and Fowler (Lynne) Laney of Florence, SC, her daughter, Sarah (Dannie) Lee of Cheraw, SC, a step-son, Bret (Kathy) Straughn, and step-daughters, Laurie (Stephen) Cook, and Kristen (Mark) Witteman, grandchildren, Caroline Laney, Clair Laney, Alex Lee, Lydia Lee, Hannah Laney, Kyle Cook, Colin Cook, Caleb Nastasi, Grace Wittemann, and Luke Wittemann, a great-granddaughter, Lexi and a sister, Ann (Mack) Atkinson of Cheraw, SC.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents, listed above, a stepdaughter, Yvonne Straughn and granddaughter, Kari Nastasi.

The family will receive friends from 12 Noon until 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in the Parlor of First United Methodist Church.

A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM in First United Methodist Church with burial in Old St. David’s cemetery.

The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to Shep’s caregivers, Diana Hatcher, Tammy Brewer and Dee McKiver, and to care team at Crescent Hospice – Jennifer, Logan, Jackie, and Stacey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: First United Methodist Church, 117 Third Street, Cheraw, SC 29520, or Crescent Hospice, 1370 Browning Rd., Suite 120, Columbia, SC 29210.

Shep’s kind spirit and joyful presence will be deeply missed, and her legacy of love and dedication will continue to inspire those who knew her.