Lugenia Shipp Obituary
Lugenia "Jeanie" Aldrich Shipp, entered into eternal rest Monday, September 27, 2021, in the comfort of her home in Norwalk, Connecticut. She was the wife of the late Nathaniel W. Shipp, Sr. Jeanie was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend.
Born June 4, 1931, in McBee, South Carolina, she was the seventh of eight children born to the late Richard and Nancy McFarland Aldrich. She is predeceased by her siblings, Nancy Aldrich Henry, Hester Aldrich, Rebecca Aldrich Kelly, Richard Aldrich, Jr. and Gretta Aldrich Hough.
Jeanie was a graduate of Boylan Haven Mather Academy, Camden, South Carolina, a boarding school founded by the Women's Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1953, she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in biology from Bennett College, Greensboro, North Carolina and in 1978, a Master's Degree in Psychology/Counseling from Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut. Jeanie was employed as a Certified Medical Technologist for 40 years at Norwalk Hospital and served as the Supervisor of Transfusion Services for 38 of those years.
Jeanie, fondly known as the "Mother of Bethel," joined Bethel AME Church, Norwalk, Connecticut in October 1956 and was active in numerous organizations and committees including the James Perkins Senior Choir, the B.J. London Scholarship Committee, the Elnora Perkins Missionary Society, the Morning Inspirational Choir, and as the director, for five years, of the Young People and Children's Division (YPD). She also served on the Women's Day Committee, the Health Ministry, as a Class Leader and was a devoted Bible Study, Church School and Vacation Bible School member. In 2009, Jeanie researched and rewrote the history of the church, which included photographs and biographies of all pastors. She was rightfully referred to as "Bethel's Historian." Her favorite scripture was 1 John 3:2.
Jeanie's personal accomplishments include researching and publishing a book, "The Aldrich and McFarland Family Genealogy," published in 2004 and registered with the Library of Congress. She also contributed an article to the book, "Blessed Assurance," by Dr. Gertrude Sparks, which is a collection of articles written by men and women from the First Episcopal District of the AME Church.
Active in the Norwalk community, Jeanie served on the Board of the Norwalk-Wilton Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Board of the United Way and as the Chair of the Bridgeport Sickle Cell Anemia Association. For over 40 years, she was a member or officer of CIBs Inc. -- Culture, Integrity and Beauty -- a nonprofit which grants scholarships and encourages and prepares youth for post-secondary education. In retirement she visited and sent greeting cards to the sick and shut-in, was actively involved with the Norwalk Emergency Shelter, where she prepared and served meals, and volunteered with ACHIEVE, an after-school program.
Jeanie was indeed a renaissance woman -- affectionate, personable, compassionate and energetic. She has left an indelible mark on the world and will be deeply missed by all she blessed and who had the privilege of knowing her.
Left to cherish loving memories are son Lionel A. "Lonnie" Shipp, stepson Nathaniel W. Shipp, Jr., grandsons Wesley and Hunter Shipp, sisters Essie Aldrich Randall of Colorado Springs, CO and Precious Aldrich Everett (Ira) of Detroit, MI and Covington, GA, special nephews Murray Hough of Bowie, MD and Nathaniel Everett of Downers Grove, IL, special great nephews Cullen Hough of Tacoma, WA and Jerome Hough of Bowie, MD and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
A memorial will be held 12:00 noon on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at Bethel AME Church, 19 Academy St., Norwalk, CT 06850.
"Please note, due to Covid restrictions, seating for the service will be limited, and masks and social distancing will be required."
