Geraldine Shipley

Geraldine “Gerry” Shipley, 97, of Albany, Georgia, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 2, 2026 at 11:00 am at Byne Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. Mark Jackson, Rev. Debbie Cone, and Rev. Conner Smith and Geoffrey Shipley officiating. Interment will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.

Gerry was born on May 11, 1928, to the late Luther and Dollie Wiggins in Thomasville, Georgia. She was originally from Whigham, Georgia, and grew up in Pelham, where she graduated from Pelham High School in 1946. In 1949, she moved to Albany, Georgia, where she met the love of her life, Billy Lee Shipley, Sr. They were married in 1951 and devoted their lives to building a strong and loving family.

Gerry was employed with Southern Bell for twenty-three years and was a faithful member of Byne Memorial Baptist Church for many years, where she attended The Open Door Sunday School Class. Her faith was an important part of her life. Gerry greatly enjoyed spending time with her family, photography, and attending TOPS. She was known for her strong spirit, warm smile, and her strength that touched everyone who knew her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Billy L. Shipley, Sr.; a son, Jerry Wayne Shipley; a brother, T. H. Wiggins, a sister, Jewel Scott and two granddaughters, Missy Smith and Heather LeAnn Shipley.

Survivors include her children, Billy L. Shipley, Jr. (Sherry), Dollie Dollar (Mike), and Luke Shipley, her grandchildren, Geoffrey Shipley (Angie), Shannon Shipley (Erin), Nicholas Shipley (Amy), Brooklyn Miller (Flynn), Jami LeAnn Grooms (P.J.), Christie Walter (Greg), Savannah Smith (Rob), Kelly Draper (Brian), and Ryann Revell (Mason); twenty-one great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Mathews Funeral Home.

Those desiring may make memorials in memory of Gerry to Living The Legacy c/o Byne Memorial Baptist Church, 2832 Ledo Rd., Albany, GA, 31707.