Kay Frances Shipp Obituary in Gastonia at Costner Funeral Home

Obituary For Kay Frances Shipp

Devoted wife and best friend to the late Mr. Howard Hester Shipp of sixty-seven years.

Her legacy began on August 31, 1937, in Gastonia, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late John and Geneva Leary Wells. On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at the age of 83, this world lost a virtuous woman who will be forever missed. We give thanks to our Lord and Savior for the precious times she shared with us all.

She was a woman of integrity and demonstrated at an early age, a unique gift of nurturing and caring for others. The love she gave is what guided, shaped, and sustained her throughout her life as many were sent to her, to experience the love that she gave so selflessly. Kay and Howard's union gave life to five beautiful children.

She was a faithful servant of Christ and was a longtime , dedicated member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Kings Mountain, NC. She was proud of her church family and was willing to serve in many roles.

Kay wasd know to leave her footprints wherever she went. She was the Matriarch of her family and was proud of her many names that showed expression of love; Grandma, Maw-Maw and to some "My Katie Mae."

Kay gained her early education within Gaston County school system. She wore many hats during her time of employment, assisting others with real estate, Cosmetology and Ministry. She was a very accomplished woman with a loving and nurturing spirit. Her nurturing spirit would later lead her to gain employment with Helping Hands Nursing in Gastonia where she cared for disabled children and adults. Kay was known for freely expressing her love in caring for anyone that was in her presence.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; John and Geneva Wells, husband, Howard H. Shipp, sons; Howard Jerome Shipp and Michael Eugene Shipp, brothers; Williams Wells, John Wells and George Wells.

She is survived by her daughters: Cecelia Summers of Kings Mountain, NC and Valarie Hunter (Kenneth) of Gastonia, NC, son, Ronald D. Shipp of Shelby, NC, sister; Edith Schenck of Baltimore, MD, sister-in-law; Debbie Wells of Baltimore, MD, daughters-in-law; Vallery Shipp of Gastonia, NC, and Martha Shipp of Jacksonville, NC, nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family would like to acknowledge: Margie Cole, she has been in Mrs. Kay's life for seventy plus years, as best friends and neighbors, her god given grandchildren; Michael "Pet" Summer and Chris McKnight.

Arrangements Are As Follows:

PLACE: Mt. Zion Baptist Church 220 North Watterson Street Kings Mountain, North Carolina

DATE & TIME: Monday, June 7, 2021 AT: 3:00 P.M.

BURIAL: Mountain Rest Cemetery Kings Mountain, North Carolina

Public viewing will be at the funeral home Sunday from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M.

Photos & Video

Condolences & Tributes

Add A Condolence

I would like to express my deepest condolence to the Shipp family. Ms. Shipp was the teacher at my daughter's daycare. My daughter loved her and when the daycare closed for the summer, Ms. Shipp offered to watch her at her home. I was so grateful to know such a kind and loving person. Even after my daughter grew up, Ms. Shipp still remembered her. Prayers and blessings for the family.
Gina Lewis Perkins

To Gert and Val, the Shipp family. During your time of sorrow, I pray God bring confort to your hearts. You have my deepest condolences From Debra Rendleman

Mrs Kay was my brother's worker his name is Robert Blanton for many many years we loved her just like she was our family she was definitely a part of our family we loved taking her to Virginia with us to my brother's doctor appointments because she was so much fun and very loving! We will definitely miss Kay Kay but she is at home now in heaven probably running the streets of gold but we want to say we are so sorry to the Shipp family for your loss she will definitely be missed but her memories are forever! With deep sympathy and love
Love the Blanton Family

To the Shipp family and friends( Gert), I offer my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.May Mrs.Kay Frances soul be at peace with our Heavenly Father. I pray for peace and comfort for you and your loved ones at this difficult time and offer my condolences to you all. Rest in Power. Love Shelia Turner Simpson🙏🏾😘

In your time of sorrow, may God bring confort to your hearts knowing she's with him now, dancing round heaven all day. RIP Kay Frances❤❤❤ Edwina Wilson (Verne)

To the Shipp family. During your time of sorrow, I pray God bring confort to your hearts. She was loved dearly, but our God loved her best. RIP Kay Frances❤❤❤

I have cherish memories of traveling with Kay to ministry conferences in West Virginia and several other places. My fondest and most rewarding memories are of the time we spent preaching and teaching in Panama, Central America. Rest in Peace. Evangelist Shirley Greenlee

I would like to take a moment to remember Ms Kay Francis, such a living example of kindness, grace, friendship, and caring. From my childhood days of walking Watterson St, Belvedere Curcle, and Mitchell Streets, the Shipps' home was always a welcome refuge. A place of joy and love. Even now as a Senior with my youngest, Adam, we always cherished spending time with Ms Shipp at KM Care or Alexander . Even when words failed her, her loving smile and kind eyes did not. We felt her love and feel she felt ours. Now, join Rev Shipp, get back to "courting" on a whole 'mother level. Girls, you did all you could, went as far as you could go, with both your parents. Thank God for strength and memories. Love you both, Billie Faye Wilson Moss ♥️💪🏿♥️

We would like to send our prayers to be with all of the family that our lord Jesus Christ comforts all of you in your time of sorrow. from your family. Daisy Leon Martin Josephine Butch all of the Schencks And Lee Family. God Bless you all