Kenneth Lee Shipman, 74, went home to be with the Lord on May 19, 2024. He was born on September 17, 1950 to the late Vera and James Shipman. He was reared in Robeson County where he graduated from Fairmont High School in 1969.

Kenny accepted Christ as a young child at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Fairmont, North Carolina. He sang in the Choir and served as an Usher. He later was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Herndon, Virginia where he sang with the Men's Choir.

He was joined in Holy Matrimony to the "Love of His Life" Vera Rose Moody Shipman and he enjoyed 40 years of "Unparalleled Love and Companionship." To this Union were born four children, Kendrick, Kenesha, Kenya and Kareva Shipman. Kenneth was an excellent father and enjoyed spending time with his family.

Seeking better opportunities for his family and on the recommendation of his good friend, John Barfield, Kenneth relocated his family to Herndon, Virginia in 1980 where he lived for over 40 years. In Herndon, Kenneth and Vera raised their family and made many friends. They were blessed with five grandchildren Nasier, Jonae, Kenyen, Jameson and Kelsey. Kenneth also enjoyed watching football and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys. He loved his extended family in Fairmont and visited when he could. He enjoyed  attending family reunions.

Kenneth had a special relationship with his big brother Roy Paul Shipman. They spent time together and talked on the phone all the time. They affectionately started every call by saying "Hey Rooster." Roy Paul and Kenneth Lee were truly the best of friends.  He also had a loving relationship with the entire Moody Family. Together, they shared many wonderful family gatherings through the years.

Kenneth worked hard to provide for his family. He retired in 2021 from Saint Joseph Catholic School in Herndon, Virginia where he was loved by the faculty and students.

Kennth was a man with a great sense of humor and wisdom. One of his favorite phrases was "To thy own self be true." His family loved to hear his stories with great life lessons and punchlines. He always had a positive outlook on life. He made the simple things in life special.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents: James and Vera Shipman, his loving wife: Vera Rose Shipman, his son: Kendrick Lelane Shipman and his brother James Edward Shipman.

Left to cherish Kenneth's memory are his brother Roy Paul Shipman (Mary) of Fairmont, NC, his daughters: Kenesha, Kenya and Kareva Shipman of Northern Virginia, a daughter in law: Jamilia Shipman of Smithfield, VA, his grandchildren, Nasier Best, Jonae and Kenyen Jordan, Jameson and Kelsey Shipman. He leaves a host of nieces, nephews and friends to continue his legacy.