Deacon Shirlee James "Brother" Lipscomb

Shirlee James Lipscomb was born in Caswell County North Carolina on May 18, 1937 to Sherman Lipscomb and Rosa Lea Lipscomb following a period of declining health Shirlee better known as "Brother" to many, passed away into eternal life on June 15, 2025.
Shirlee was a man of conviction, a man of faith, family, and honor. Shirlee was a 1957 graduate of Caswell County Training School. Following his graduation, he worked for Bark Hauser Ford, Dan River Mills as the Mailman and Hanover Mills. He finally found his niche and began a 40-year career with the North Carolina Department of Corrections as a Correctional Officer. He used his demeanor and his abilities to impact not only the lives of his fellow coworkers but many of the inmates as well. Shirlee married the love of his life Sadie Mildred Slade Lipscomb, and the two shared 52 years of wedded bliss until her untimely passing on March 26, 2011. They were blessed with two daughters whom they loved and cherished Beverly and Kay.
Deacon Shirlee was a devoted member of River Zion Baptist Church for his entire life. During his years of service, he held many positions. However, he was honored to be selected to serve as a Deacon of River Zion. No matter the task, Shirlee was always willing to assist in any way that he could. Brother Lipscomb was a member of Leasburg Lodge Prince Hall Affiliate Free & Accepted Masons #648. He would help not only those in his community, but as he passed along the way, he would help you in any way that he could. It goes without mentioning that he had a strong conviction on the things to which he believed. When his mind was set on something, there was no changing his mind. He never wavered and what he said is what he truly meant. He thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors: hunting, harvesting and maintaining well-manicured yard, home and fields.
Our Father, Grandfather, Poppa and "Brother" had a deep love for his family, especially his grandchildren and his great-grandson. He will be truly missed, but his life is an example to all who knew him. Those left to cherish his memories and emulate his life are his two doting and devoted daughters: Beverly L. Lea and her husband, Kevin and Cynthia Kay Howard and her husband, Ernest; three grandchildren: Jonathan Howard, Christian Rodgers Long, and her husband, Patrick and Eric Howard; one great grandson Patrick Long, Jr. as well as multitude of nieces, nephews other relatives and dear friends.
In his passing he now joins his beloved Sadie, his parents Sherman and Rosa Lipscomb and his siblings Lady Alice Lipscomb and Sherman McArthur Lipscomb "Mack".
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