Vera S. Riddle

Vera Sowell Riddle, age 95, formerly of Kershaw, S.C., passed away peacefully at Covenant Place in Sumter, South Carolina, on December 27, 2022. She was born on December 10, 1927, on Flat Rock Road in Kershaw, South Carolina, the daughter of Floyd and Susannah Gay Sowell. She grew up on her family’s farm.

She married Oren Herod in 1943, while he was in the Army preparing to go to war. Together they had three children, Dianne, Randy, and Perry. They also lost a baby son, Don. After Oren’s death, she married Richard Riddle who was serving in the United States Air Force and stationed at Shaw Air Force Base. They moved to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia and then to Tokyo, Japan, before returning to live on Flat Rock Road in Kershaw, South Carolina. They enjoyed their “country life” together fishing and camping across the country. Vera always enjoyed cooking, traveling, and family get togethers.

Vera is survived by a sister, Betty Prim, of Atlanta Georgia; a daughter, Dianne (Wallace) of Spartanburg, South Carolina; a son, Randy Herod of Kingstree, South Carolina; and a son, Perry Herod (Gwen) of Sumter, South Carolina. Her grandchildren are William Gregory (Jenny); Randi Lee Sweatman (James); Matthew Herod (Christi); Benjamin Herod (Charlotte); Jacob Herod (Ashley); B.G. Bragdon (Hannah): and Ashley Bragdon. She also has nine great grandchildren.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Susannah Sowell, a brother, Randolph Sowell, two sisters, Dorothy Johnson and Pauline Threatt, a son, Don Herod and her stepdaughter, Patricia Bragdon.

Vera had a strong faith in the Lord and accepted Jesus at an early age. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Kershaw and was active there until moving to Covenant Place in Sumter.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Covenant Place for the excellent care they provided to Vera. They wish to also thank the staff and volunteers at Prisma Health Hospice of Sumter, South Carolina and Tommy Baker and his staff at Baker Funeral Home..

A Graveside service celebration of life was held on Thursday, December 29, 2022, in Kershaw City Cemetery. Burial followed in the cemetery. Rev. Bryant D. Fersner officiated.

Arrangements were under the care of Baker Funeral Home, Kershaw, S.C.