Mary Beth Shipman

Mary Beth Shipman, 84, of Atwood, IL passed away peacefully in her own home on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, December 22, 2025 at the United Church of Atwood, 210 North Main St., in Atwood, IL. Rev. Mike Drake will officiate. Burial will follow in the Mackville Cemetery in Atwood, IL. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the funeral from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the church. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Mary Beth was born on July 19, 1941 in Pontiac, IL. She was a daughter of Albert Berton and Mary Elizabeth (Benner) Hanners. She married Jack Coy Shipman on December 31, 1967 in Decatur, IL. He passed away on September 12, 2001.

She is survived by three sons, David Dewayne Traxler and his wife Carol of Philo, IL, Scottie Coy Shipman and his wife Amy, and Bradley Jack Shipman and his wife Christy all of Atwood, IL, twelve grandchildren, Melissa, Michael, Alice, Matthew, Toby, Noah Albert, Noah David, Zach, Elizabeth, David, Cameron, and Aaron, and four great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one granddaughter, Scooter Elizabeth Shipman, and five siblings, Joan Kingery, Loren Hanners, Earl Hanners, David Hanners, and Glenn Hanners.

Mary Beth worked at The Arthur Home for 10 years, providing compassionate care to those in need. After her time there, she continued her dedication to helping others as a caregiver for many individuals in the area for several years.

Family was at the core of Mary Beth’s life. She loved spending time with her loved ones and had a special place in her heart for the neighborhood children. She was often seen sitting in her backyard in her lawn chair, watching them play and grow. Mary Beth also attended their ballgames and school events, showing her support and care.

Mary Beth was proud of her involvement in the community. She was a member of the Arthur Odd Fellows Lodge, 742, and a member of the United Church of Atwood. In 1990, she and her husband started Saturday dances at the Arthur Odd Fellow Lodge, where many memories were made.

Memorials may be made to the United Church of Atwood, or to the Backpack Program.