Dorothy J. Shipley

Dorothy J. Shipley

(Aka: Momma, Nana, Granny, Nanny)

Dorothy Jean Johnson was born April 28, 1944, in Madison County, Alabama to the late Nemiah and Elnora Johnson. She was one of four children. One brother James L. Johnson proceeded her death. The family later moved to Louisville, KY around 1948.

At 8:10am on August 21st, 2022, she was peacefully called home to our heavenly father and earned her wings.

Dorothy attended Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School, Manly Junior High School, also known as Louisville's Old Dupont Manual High School and Central High School. Dorothy focused her studies in business, graduating May 1962.

In July 1962 at the age of 18, directly after graduating, Dorothy married John Shipley Sr., her childhood friend and sweetheart that she initially met at Manly Junior High School/Central High School. This union produced three children. Michele Levice Shipley, Marsha Yvette Shipley, and John Russell Shipley, Jr.

Although Dorothy and John divorced in 1977, they remained close friends.

Dorothy started working at Our Lady of Peace Hospital (OLOP) in 1968 as a Nurse's Aide. Later she was promoted to Unit Secretary, and finally advancing her career to Access Specialist/Counselor in the Admittance Office. While employed Dorothy attended JCC (Jefferson Community College) achieving a certificate in cosmetology. Dorothy did hair on the side while working her full-time job at the hospital. Dorothy also received a business certificate from Sullivan Business College. After 40 years of dedication to OLOP, Dorothy retired August 8, 2008.

One day Dorothy was watching daytime TV and Dr. Phil aired a segment on his show talking about CASA and he spoke highly of CASA sharing that he and his wife's long-term support of the organization which stands for "Court Appointed Special Advocates". Dorothy's passion and desire to help children as well as her newfound freedom with retirement allowed her the opportunity to volunteer her services with CASA. Dorothy started volunteering in 2008 and remained active until 2018.

Dorothy accepted Christ at a young age and was a long-time active member of Shiloh Baptist Church along with her children and later joined Bates Memorial Baptist Church in 2011.

Parenting and advocacy have always been Dorothy's passion and a never ending task as she willingly pours her wisdom, love, support, and inspiration to her 3 children, 6 grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with other family and friends.

Dorothy leaves to cherish many loving memories to her children: daughters, Michele L. Shead, Marsha (Rick) Sivils, John (TaNieka) Shipley; Sister Sharita (Eric) Martin, Brother Kirby Johnson, and sister in law Deathra Shipley, and brother-in law, Michael Shipley; 6 grandchildren Stephfon Murphy, My'Kell Shipley, Michaela Shead, Keena Sivils, Kia Sivils, and Jalen Shipley; 10 great grandchildren Ja'Nya Murphy (who she raised), Khyron Murphy, Milisha Murphy, Stephfon Murphy Jr, Makynzi Allen, Maleiah Allen, Ava Murphy, Xavier Murphy, and Marquis Allen Jr. and soon to be born, Liam Jaxson Ewing, aunt Pauline (Everett) King, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A Gathering will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2022 from 2:00 pm until 2:30 pm at Bates Memorial Baptist Church (620 Lampton Street, Louisville). A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:30 pm on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Bates Memorial Baptist Church.

The family would like to send a heartfelt Thank You to the staff at Visiting Nurses Association and the doctors, nurses, and staff at Norton Audubon Hospital and Cancer Institute.