Florence, SC Shepherd Amelia Rustin Smith, 81, of Florence, SC, died on Tuesday, January 7, 2014, at a local hospital after a brief illness. Shepherd was born February 25, 1932, in Gastonia, NC, eldest daughter of the late William Carl Rustin and Mary Shepherd Gray Rustin. Shepherd attended Gaston County schools and graduated from St. Mary's College in Raleigh, NC, Class of 1952. She was a member of Central United Methodist Church and was involved in the real estate community in Florence. Shepherd was involved in numerous community organizations, including, but not limited to: Plain Dirt Garden Club, Gay Gardeners, Florence Symphony Orchestra, Junior League of Gastonia, Florence Junior League and Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed the coastal areas, especially Holden Beach, NC and Pawley's Island, SC. Shepherd was happy with anything involving salt water and the sand between her toes. Shepherd loved life, sharing with other people through her art, gardening, cooking, fishing, playing bridge and a good martini. Shepherd is survived by daughters; Amelia Rustin Smith of Florence, SC, and Shepherd Clair (Mark) Cary of Lexington, SC; a son, Charles B. (Lisa) Smith, Jr. of Pinehurst, NC; a brother, William Carl (Mary Louise) Rustin, Jr. of Raleigh, NC; a sister, Sydna Rustin Street of Richmond, VA; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and many great friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Central United Methodist Church, 225 W. Cheves Street, Florence, SC 29506, or to The Florence Area Humane Society, P.O. Box 4808, Florence, SC, 29502. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 3:00 PM at Central United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at 2:00 PM in the Commons Area of the church, just prior to the service.