Vernola Marie Shipp

August 11, 1939 - January 1, 2019

Vernola Marie Barrett Shipp was born in Memphis, Tennessee on Thursday, August 11, 1939 to Susie Mae Blount and Timothy Dozie. Vernola was the eldest of five siblings. She received her formal education at Florida Elementary School and was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School’s class of ’57. She later attended Booker T. Washington's first nursing program and received a certificate, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her first job was as a Nurse at the John Gaston Hospital in Memphis, TN. She later attended Memphis State University’s Nursing program where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She later worked as a Registered Nurse at the MED, in Memphis. TN and retired from there after thirty-three years of service. Vernola confessed a hope in Christ at Greater Mount Moriah Baptist Church, in Memphis, Tennessee, under the leadership of the late Pastor J.W. West. “Nola”, as she was affectionately called, was loved and admired by many who knew her. Blue was her favorite color, and she adored the singer, Sam Cooke. Dancing and watching Soap Operas on television was were a few of her favorite pastimes. She would be best known for her generosity, chef-level cooking, pleasant social demeanor and humanity. Nola passed away on Tuesday, January 1, 2019. She is predeceased by her parents Timothy Dozie and Susie Mae Barrett; her husband, Adolphis Michael Shipp; two sons, Barry Craig Shipp, Willie James Shipp; two daughters, Betty Shipp Laws Williams, Lottie Shipp Porter; one grandchild, Melvin Shipp; one brother, Freddie Earl Barrett and a sister, India Ann Adams. Nola leaves to cherish her memory, five sons, Stacy L. (L. Marie) Shipp, Adolphis (Faye) Shipp, Jr., Paul Shipp, Curtis Lewis Shipp, Anthony Carmichael Smith; three daughters, Susan M. (Joseph) Crawford, Vanessa Elaine (Victor) Shexnayder; Yvonne (Terry) Micks; one brother, John Edward Barrett; one sister, Emma Louise Batchlor; a host of grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews,cousins other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held 2:30 PM, Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Williams Funeral Home's George Williams Memorial Chapel, 5270 Knight Arnold Road, Memphis. Visiting hours will be from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday, January 11, 2019 at Williams Funeral Home.