Mary Sue Shipp, 82, of Benton went to her heavenly home on Sunday, November 4, 2024.
She was born on January 19, 1942, to Wyche Terrell and Bessie Virginia Stubblefield in Yazoo County. She married her high school sweetheart, James T. (Jimmy) Shipp Jr., on July 16, 1961.
Mary Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Terrell and Bessie Stubblefield, and her sisters Marion Ann Ledbetter and Bess Powell.
Survivors include her husband of over 63 years, Jimmy; brother, Marlin John Stubblefield; son, Trey Shipp (Dana), and daughters, Ginny Jones (Billy) and Ann Downs (AJ); grandchildren, AnnBri Spencer, Nathan Adams, Bucky Shipp, Taylor Haynes, Sarah Egan Bodouin, William Jones, Balee Adams, Mary Menger Cooke, Ana Posey Rogers, Lake Neely; and twelve great grandchildren.
Mary Sue was elected Yazoo County Tax Assessor and Collector for 10 terms; she began her first term January 1976, and retired December 2003. Mary Sue served her community well, but her ultimate passion was serving her family and her church. She was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Yazoo City.
Her love for family and creating lasting memories was demonstrated in her heartfelt desire to gather her entire family on an annual beach trip. What started in 1985 with 8 people and continues today with 40 people was one of her many joys in life. Few things in life made her happier than watching her family grow and change throughout the years against the backdrop of the same beach.
She loved the beauty of the Earth that God created and chose to practice gardening to exist alongside this beauty. She also sought to nourish His people (even if it was in the form of her famous poundcake).
From the moment you met Mary Sue, you could feel God’s presence within her. Her devotion to Christ was the guiding force in her life and all who encountered her felt closer to Him through her. Her kindness, willingness to forgive, strength and unconditional love serve as a model to those who knew her. It is rare to encounter someone whose presence reminds one of an angel. Those who knew Mary Sue were lucky enough to experience this rarity - the prime example of love.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Yazoo City, Mississippi.
Pall Bearers will be Nathan Adams, Bucky Shipp, William Jones, Balee Adams, Will Keeton Ketchum and Jack Spencer.
Honorary Pall Bearers will be Lane Spencer, Faron Haynes, Palmer Shipp, Cooper Cooke, Tate Cooke and Baker Bodouin.
Laying of the Pall and Christian Symbols will be AnnBri Spencer, Taylor Haynes, Sarah Egan Bodouin, Mary Menger Cooke, Ana Posey Rogers and Lake Neely.
Honorary Laying of Pall and Christian Symbols will be Collins Bodouin, Ellie Payne Rogers and Addie Wallace Shipp.
