Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Emily Shipman Obituary
Emily Huffstetler Shipman, a loving wife, sister, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at Duke University Medical Center on January 28, 2021 at the age of 57 years.
Born in Elizabethtown, Emily was the youngest daughter of the late Robert Sae and Velna McDuffie Huffstetler.
Emily was Steven's beloved wife for 35 years and a wonderfully devoted mother to their sons Alex Shipman (Andrea) of Raleigh and Andrew Shipman (Sara) of Wilmington. She was also the proud Mimi of Brayden Justice-Mintz, Brantley Shipman, and Easton Shipman.
In addition to her immediate family, Emily is survived by her brother Bobby Huffstetler (Freida) of Whiteville; sisters Sherry Sansone (Bill) and Joni Sturdy (David), both of Wilmington; mother-in-law Margaret Shipman of Hallsboro; sister-in-law Suzanne Harrell (Jerry) of Hallsboro; and many nieces and nephews who she loved as if they were her own children.
Emily, a longtime member of Harbor United Methodist Church, was a living example of her favorite Bible verse, Phillipians 4:13 — "'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'"
Having a passion for the education of preschool-aged children, Emily deeply committed herself to helping start Harbor United Methodist Church Preschool. This ministry brought Emily great joy as she truly enjoyed serving as both a teacher and administrative assistant for 5 1/2 years.
Due to public health concerns, a private family service will be held at Carvers Creek United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Russ Nanney officiating.
To honor her memory, in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Harbor United Methodist Church Preschool, 4853 Masonboro Loop Road, Wilmington, NC 28409.
Andrews Mortuary is handling arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Emily Shipman
Suzanne Heffner
February 13, 2021
Emily is and will always be a precious memory of a wonderful childhood spent at her family's home over many summers I love and miss you dearly sweet lady
Bob Bruce
February 3, 2021
My condolences on Emily's passing. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Catherine Raspet
February 2, 2021
Emily was a ray of sunshine every morning greeting the children and parents. She was delightful, caring, and compassionate. Heaven has an Emily Angel.
Hobson/Joy Morgan
February 2, 2021
To our friends from Carvers; " From this we are ever bound"
Much love to All!
Darrin Powers
February 1, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with Steven and the whole family during this difficult time. Please let us know if we can do anything to help.
Marc Martin
February 1, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all in your family.
The world was a better place because of Emily and her loss is felt by everyone fortunate enough to have crossed her path. Words could never convey what I would say if I could be there to personally offer my condolences and support to you, but..
I give you this one thought to keep –
“I am with you still – I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone –
I am with you still –
in each new dawn. “
Native American Prayer-Author Unknown
Marjorie Allen
January 31, 2021
We are so sorry to hear of Emily's passing. Our condolences to the family.
Audrey West Hardy
January 31, 2021
Sherry, Bobby and Joni, I send my love and sympathy to you in this terrible time. You are in my prayers.
Linda Gallagher
January 31, 2021
We were so sad to learn of Emily’s passing. She was always kind, always smiling, and such a positive person. We greatly appreciated her kindness at Harbor preschool with our youngest. We always knew be was in great hands when be was with her! Our condolences to her family.
George Piner
January 30, 2021
We are so very saddened to have heard the news of Ms Emily’s passing, she was a very sweet and kind lady. We will keep her family in our thoughts and prayers.
Joann Grier
January 30, 2021
Emily was one of the sweetest and kindest person I ever met. We had so many good family get-t0-gethers with her family. I was honored to have directed she and Steven's wedding. We will miss her, especially when visiting Wilmington. Bobby, Freida., Sherry, Bill, Joni, David and especially Steve and boys my sympathy goes out to you. I love you all.
Kent Bordeaux
January 30, 2021
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Elsie Alvarez
January 30, 2021
"What is lovely never dies, but passes into another loveliness, star-dust or sea-foam, flower or winged air.” —Thomas Bailey Aldrich
My prayers are with you and your family.
Carrie/David Kane
January 30, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Shirley & Ed Stone
January 30, 2021
Family, please accept our heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Emily. Heaven must really be celebrating in the homecoming of such a loving, caring, & faithful woman. We are praying for comfort & understanding during this difficult time.
Connie Moseley
January 30, 2021
Emily was such a kind and gentle soul. She truly loved children and simply glowed with a baby or small child wrapped in her arms. With their sixth sense, children felt her unconditional love and responded with hugs, kisses and giggles. My grandsons have been truly blessed by the love of their “ Auntie Em”. Rest now in the arms of the Angels, dear Emily.
Jimmy/Sandra Miller
January 30, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in Emily Shipman's name
Memorial Events
for Emily Shipman
Funeral services provided by:
Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel - Wilmington4108 S. College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412
How to support Emily's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Emily Shipman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
