Mary Lou Shipman

Mary’s life began on February 10, 1949, in Fayetteville, AR. She was the daughter of Thomas James and Elsie Mae (Slape) Slaughter. Mary was united in marriage to Orris Ronald “Ronnie” Shipman on April 12, 1969, at the Florence Christian Church. Mary worked for several years in various roles at Beechcraft (Raytheon) in Wichita. She also worked at St. Lukes Hospital and Living Center in Marion. Mary loved her family and spending time with them. She was a faithful Bible reader and had read many translations of God’s word. Mary served on the Florence City Council and as Mayor. She is survived by her husband Ronnie Shipman of Florence; children Sandy (Chris) Sprowls of Marion, Lee (Amy) Shipman of Florence, Tammy Bremer of Florence, Ronda (John) Drow of Florence and Jimmy (Jeni) Shipman of Marion; 27 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Mary passed away at Newton Medical Center on Saturday March 8, 2025. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister Donna Rae Emmerson. Her family will gather with friends on Saturday March 15, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Marion Christian Church for her memorial service. She will be laid to rest in Hillcrest Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions in Mary’s name may be directed to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Mary at www.yazelmeglifh.com.