Shirley Dorene Britton Leaphart

Shirley Dorene Britton Leaphart of Mount Pleasant, SC passed into eternal rest on January 19, 2017, just 10 days before her 80th birthday. Her memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2017 in J. HENRY STUHR, MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL at 5:00 p.m. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. A reception will follow the service.

She was the birth daughter of Lester and Dorene Britton, however Lester died before Shirley was born. Lester's sister Elizabeth Britton Lemmon and her husband John David of Sumter, SC agreed to raise Shirley and her older sister, Nancy Louise Britton Jackson. Shirley graduated from Edmunds High School in 1955 and entered nursing training at Toumey Hospital in Sumter. She was a dedicated wife and mother and retired medical office assistant, noted for her charm, beauty, courage, strength and caring for others.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Retired Air Force Colonel John L. Leaphart of Mt. Pleasant, a son, David Kirk Leaphart of Mt. Pleasant; a daughter, Donna Monique Leaphart Turner Jones and her husband, Daniel Jones of North Charleston; a grandson, Zachary David Turner, also of North Charleston; a sister, Nancy Britton Jackson of Richmond, Virginia. Nancy lovingly gave Shirley a kidney in 1989 which greatly extended her life. Shirley is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her youngest son, Dirk Leaphart.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to one of Shirley's favorite charities: American Diabetes Association, 107 West Park Blvd., Suite 220, Columbia, SC 29210, American Kidney Foundation, 14440 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33613 or Parents and Guardians Association, Coastal Center, 9995 Miles Jamison Road, Summerville, SC 28485; or simply sign an organ donor card.