Betty Sheppard Sholar, age 91, of Newport News, VA, went home to be with The Lord on Sunday, December 28th, 2025. She passed peacefully in her own home, surrounded by those she loved, her cherished pictures and her many teddy bears that she loved to collect on what would have been her beloved husband’s 98th birthday.
Betty Mae Sheppard was born in Newport News, VA, on April 24, 1934, to Dewey Elexander Sheppard and Georgia Louise Grant. She was the younger sister of Dorothy Louise Sheppard. The family moved from Newport News to the Wythe area of Hampton. Betty met the love of her life, Ernest Sholar, Jr., when she was just 14 years old, and they were married three years later on August 18, 1951. She graduated from Hampton High School in 1952.
After graduating, Betty began work as a secretary with the US government at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. She also worked at NASA Langley Research Center and finally retired in 1996 from Supervisor of Shipbuilding for the Navy Department at Newport News Shipbuilding. She also worked for a number of years with Newport News Public Schools as a kindergarten aide while her daughters were young before she returned to civil service.
Betty was a very creative and talented artist. She loved to draw and make arts and crafts. She made many homemade gifts for teachers, friends, neighbors, and her family. She played the piano and made sure her daughters all had access to music and dance lessons. She also loved to bake cakes and desserts, which she shared with her friends, neighbors, and co-workers. She loved to listen to Elvis and Bobby Vinton on Saturday mornings while she was cleaning house. She loved to travel and took some wonderful trips to destinations that included Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, and Disney World. One of her favorite memories was getting to walk on the battlefield at Belleau Wood in France, where her father fought as a Marine in World War I.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Ernest Sholar, Jr.; her parents, Dewey and Georgia Sheppard; and her only sister, Dorothy Louise Sheppard.
She leaves to cherish her memory her three daughters: Susan Sholar Duncan (Dennis), Sharon Sholar James (Walter), and Sandy Sholar Vann (Andy). She was blessed with six grandchildren and two great-grands who loved their Nana deeply: Joshua Duncan, Stephanie Lovelace, Sydney Tompkins (Nate), Caroline Debertolis (Cossan), Nathan Vann, Grace Vann; two great-grandchildren: Micah Hines and Jazzalynn Blackmon; as well as a host of nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her church community, the doctors and nurses at Riverside Hospital and Trinity Hospice, and the many others who touched her life with kindness and support, including her wonderful neighbors.
The family will receive visitors beginning at 11 AM on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Temple Baptist Church, 235 Harpersville Road, Newport News, VA, with a Celebration of Life service immediately following at 12 noon, officiated by Pastor Wes Taylor. Interment will be at Peninsula Memorial Park. A reception will follow at the church social hall.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the charity of your choice.
Momma/Nana – you will be loved and missed beyond measure until we see you again!
4 Comments
Susan and family, we are so sorry to hear of your dear mother passing, Betty was a wonderful lady, prayers for family during this difficult time.
Thanks for being our sweet neighbor. We love you ❤️
Sandy, I am so sorry to hear about your mother passing. Loss and grief
is so hard. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
I have many fond memories of our trips together, our lunches after church, and our many talks on the phone. I will miss you very much, but I know you are in a better place. My sympathies to the family.