June Shipley

Mrs. June Tolbert Shipley age 87 of Tazewell, TN was born May 6, 1926 and went to be with the Lord on February 24, 2014. She was a lifelong member of the Cave Springs Baptist Church where she enjoyed worshiping and all the church related activities as long as she was able. She had a great interest and supported a number of charities, especially anything related with finding a cure for cancer. She married the late Carl Shipley on May 11, 1955 and they enjoyed their time together until he went to be with the Lord on November 20, 1969. They had no children and she was the last surviving member of her generation. Mrs. Shipley was the youngest child born to James A. and Jennie K. Tolbert on May 6, 1926. She was a lifelong resident of Claiborne County and was a long time cancer survivor. Her health had been declining several years and was seriously ill for approximately three months. She was a graduate of East Tennessee State University and taught fourth grade at TNT for 42 years. In 1974-1975 she received the "Teacher of the Year Award." She remembered her students and followed many of them in their accomplishments through the years. She was recognized years later by many of her former students, this was always her delight. Her sister Kate, who went to be with the Lord in 2011, moved to Claiborne County approximately 25 years ago from Indiana for health reasons. She and June lived together and really enjoyed traveling, visiting family, and more less "re-living" their childhood. Several years ago it was necessary to either get home care or go to a nursing home facility. They insisted on being together, and a number of loving and caring friends took care of their needs and provided lots of TLC. June referred to them as "my girls" and she and her family greatly and deeply appreciate every one of them for their outstanding care. Among her many interests were visiting family and friends and traveling to new places. The family will really miss spending time with her in Tennessee as the "Welcome mat" was always out. Along with her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her four sisters; Pearlie T. Richardson, Etta T. Alston, Grace T. Henegar, and Kate T. Whitaker. Four brothers; Arthur, Clarence, Clyde, and Glenn, as well as their spouses except for Glenn. Also there were a number of other relatives who she was predeceased by. She is survived by her one sister-in-law, Cassie W. Tolbert, the widow of Glenn, a special great nephew, Larry Tolbert and wife Valerie who resides in Claiborne County and owns the Tolbert Homeplace and a a portion of the farm in the Cave Springs Community. This farm had been in the Tolbert Family for several generations. She is also survived by members in the Shipley Family, which were very close to June and an inspiration, particularly after Carl's passing. Several nieces, nephews, and a host of other loving relatives and friends. The family will receive friends Friday, February 28, 2014 from 5PM till 7PM with funeral services to follow at 7PM in the Claiborne-Overholt Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mitchell Fergerson and the Rev. Jim Blevins officiating. Music will be provided by the Cave Springs Church Choir. Graveside services will be conducted Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 11AM in the Fairview Cemetery. Pallbearers: Larry Tolbert, Bob Shipley, Jim Shelby,, Gabriel Keaton, Lawerence Deaton, and Jim Shipley. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made the the American Cancer Society, as it was the closest charity organization to Mrs. Shipley's heart. Donations may be made to any other charity also in Mrs. Shipley's' memory. Claiborne - Overholt Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. www.claibornefuneralhome.com