Mary Sorrells Shipley
August 21, 1909 ~ December 24, 2003
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville - Mary Elizabeth Sorrells Shipley, went to be with her Lord and to join her late husband, Harold R. Shipley, Wednesday, December 24, 2003.
A native of Buncombe County, she was a daughter of the late Victor Grayson and Mary Ann Bird Sorrells and was also preceded in death by an infant son, Harold R. Shipley, Jr.
Mrs. Shipley was a loving wife and mother and will be remembered by her family and her friends at Givens Estates for her beautiful smile. She spent her life lovingly supporting her husband in his endeavors and helping her church family, at Abernethy United Methodist Church, with rummage sales and her delicious coconut cake at bake sales. She was always more concerned with the well being of others and loved asking for, and giving, her “big bear hugs”.
Mrs. Shipley is survived by her sons, William H. Shipley of Charlotte, his wife Peggy and their children, Edward Shipley of Philadelphia, David Shipley of Fayetteville, NC, Janice Gurganus of Hampton, VA and Holly Devine of Appleton, Wisconsin, and W. Bruce Shipley of Asheville, his wife Betty and their children, Sandra Manthorpe of Charlotte, Lynne Murphy of Coto De Caza, California and Stuart Shipley of Asheville and 16 great grandchildren. One of twelve children, she is survived by a sister, Helen Davis of Arlington, Virginia and a brother, Ted Sorrells of Asheville.
Private graveside services will be held at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Supplemental Assistance Fund of Givens Estates, 2360 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28803.
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I am filled with such wonderful memories of Mama. Some of my favorite times were when she would take us grandkids to the lake to go fishing. On every cast I would get my line tangled in the trees or stuck on the rocks. Through it all she made sure we never left without a fish. These simple lesson of never giving up have stuck with me to this day.
I love you Mama…. Ed
We are very sorry to hear of Mrs. Shipley’s death. We have many good memories of times together at
Abernethy Methodist and are thankful for her life and her kind friendship. May God bless and confort her family.
Durin my visits to the Carolinas I always enjoyed visiting Mama. I remember Mama was always kind and woudln’t let me leave her home without giving me some small token, whether it be $5 or a turtle tape measure that I still have to this day. Mama was a beautiful and kind woman and her love for her family always made itself known and I will never forget that.
You are missed Mama
dear bill & bruce,
we are so sorry to here about
your mother.she was very special
to louise & i.
our family will be thinking of you.
jack
Mama was very special to us. It was great that we got to spend time together this summer. We will miss her.
Tony, Holly, Daniel & Brittany
Maw Maw Shipley always had a good caring heart. She felt like a Grandmother to me. I’m lucky and happy to enjoy all my good times with her.
I enjoyed all the times we spent together in the mountians and at your house. I love you so much. You will always be in my heart and nothing we change that…please save me a spot in heaven.
Bill and Bruce, we are thinking of you and your family and send our condolences.
Lynne & Bill Morris (DC’54)
Dear Bruce and Family,
We are sadden to read of your Mother’s death. Please know that our prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Bruce and Carol Weir Peterson
Bill, Bruce, & family, I am saddened by the loss of your wonderful Mother Mary, but cheered by the knowledge that she’s in Heaven making coconut cakes with Kelly Wilson’s chicken pies for your Dad and Cousin Walter, and other members of Abernethy who have preceeded us. God bless your family. Jane Anne
To the Family of Mary Shipley, We have such wonderful memories of Mrs. Shipley at our church. She was always there helping with projects for the church and her U.M.W. circle ‘the Crusaders’. Not only was she a great coconut cake maker but her beautiful hand work was sought after at our craft sales. Mrs. Shipley and Mr. Shipley lived their faith and were wonderful inspirations to us all. The Abernethy United Methodist Women
Dear Bill, Peg, Bruce & Betty:
What can I say except that now God has one very special ‘huggable’ angel & her ‘light’ will shine brightly in my heart forever!
Love you all!
Andrea
In menory to a fine lady who I remember so well.
We are keeping all of our family in our prayers. There is a piece of Mama in each of us, so we will continue to share those pieces with the ones we love and keep her alive in spirit.
Mama Shipley is gone, it hurts us all, but we just need to remember she is in a better place now. I will miss her always.
Dear Bruce and Bill and Family,
Sorry about Aunt Mary I have wonderful memories of her. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Dear mama,
we will all miss you a lot ut now u are in a much better place than us.
Hey Mamma
This is Alec, and I am writing you to say that we will all miss you. The good thing to know is that you are in heaven with Papa right now. We all will miss you
Alec Jentink
Dear Bill and Bruce,
Fond memories of your sweet mother.
I live on Ormond Ave. and have for 54 years.I can remember your mom and dad walking to church on Sunday morning. What a dear couple they were. Jim’s mom was a member of Abernethy and she enjoyed working in the kitchen with your mom, Mrs. Wilson,and the Neases.
God bless your families.
Mary Morgan
Along with the best coconut cake and chicken pot pie in the world… Mama Shipley has shared great advice and most importantly a warmth and love for family that will continue to live in all of us.
With love and admiration,
Laurie Shipley
I love and miss you Mama, but am comforted knowing that your first Bear Hug in Heaven was with Papa!
Though I never met her, Sandy often spoke of her grandmother, both lovingly and with pride of her approach to life. Her touch on her grandchildren and great-grandchilderen will keep her spirit and zest alive for years.
Mary was a wonderful lady. She listened and had such a wonderful laugh. She touched all who knew her in a wonderful way.
Psalm 23:6
As a little kid, and all through my growing up, I had the fortune of having my great-grandparents…knowing Mama and Papa gave me an appreciation for family that I will never forget. I will miss Mama, and hope to know my great-grandchildren like she new all of us.
miss you mama:
-your sons’ sons son