Loretta Shipman's Obituary
Loretta Jones Shipman passed away comfortably and peacefully with family in her home, Thursday, October 9, 2025. Loretta was a native of Charleston, WV. At age 17, she got a job in a lady’s fine clothing store and soon thereafter got her own apartment. She later moved to VA, NC, FL, then back to NC. In 1996, she settled at Lake Norman in Terrell, NC in the home that she designed. She enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, quilting, fishing, traveling, and most of all spending time with her family. Her successful business career in the fashion industry included owning The Louise Shop in Greensboro, NC. She became known as “That Little Southern Girl” on buying trips in New York City. She later owned a successful catering business. In retirement, she wrote a most interesting manuscript of her life from youth, through The Great Depression, and into the 2000s.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John Paul and Callie Jones, her husband Lewis Frank Shipman (October 8, 1992), one daughter Brenda Roberts Hunter (West, Jr.), one son, Marc Allen Roberts, her beloved friend, Paul Francis Lucas; eight of her nine brothers: Shelbie, Charles, Hansel, Paul, Denvil, Denzil, James, Randy; both sisters: Lois and Wava Lee (Abbie). Loretta is survived by two children: daughter Beverly Rose Cole (Stephen), Rusty Roberts (Lisa), son-in-law West Hunter Jr., Brenda Baker Roberts; grandchildren: Heather, Kimberly (Neal), West III (Kisten), Jason (Krista), and great grandchildren: West IV, Neva, Landen, Carson, and Emma; brother Rev. Carroll Jones (Joanne), and many loving nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at Trinity United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time at the church's fellowship hall. Committal services will be held at Berea Baptist Church Cemetery, Mooresville.
We wish to thank Carolyn Farling for excellent, loving in home care of Loretta for the past four-and-one-half years. Further thanks to Denise Whisnant, Ana Montoya, Morgan Miller, Grayson Whisnant, Mary King, and Darcie Richardson for alternate loving in home care. Posthumously we recognize Paul Francis Lucas, Loretta’s beloved original in home care giver. Special thanks to the Hospice, Sherrills Ford staff for loving in home medical care. They are angels among us.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catawba County (NC) Hospice.
James Funeral Home is assisting the family, online condolences may be made at https://www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Loretta?
What’s a lesson you learned from Loretta?
Share a story where Loretta's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Loretta you’ll never forget.
How did Loretta make you smile?
