Johnnie Zumwalt Shipley (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Mrs. Johnnie (Zumwalt) Shipley, age 94, of Bolivar, Missouri passed away Saturday morning, October 20, 2012 at Citizens Memorial Healthcare Facility in Bolivar.
She was born on June 1, 1918 near Cliquot, Missouri the daughter of E.C. “Bud” and Lunnie (Richards) Zumwalt. The family moved to the Huron community when she was six months old. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and joined Mt. View Baptist Church at Polk.
Johnnie attended elementary school at Huron, graduated from Emma D. High School in Goodson, and attended Draughon’s Business University in Springfield.
She was employed several years as stenographer/secretary at the Missouri Department of Health and Welfare Office in Bolivar.
Johnnie was married to John F. Shipley on October 12, 1940 and to this union was born two children; Marlin Dee and Elderine. In 1946 she became a “stay at home mom”. She and John were charter members of the Second Baptist Church, now Southern Hills Baptist Church in Bolivar. She was the last living original charter member.
In January, 1955 the family moved to the State of Kansas; residing in Baxter Springs, Liberal and Overland Park. They immediately located a Church where they were active; she as Sunday School teacher and secretary, Church secretary, Women’s Missionary Union and Director of Vacation Bible School, Training Union and Girl’s Auxiliary. They returned to Polk County in June, 1987.
In 1985 and 1986 Johnnie received a certificate of appreciation for her service and in 1987 a certificate for outstanding leadership at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Overland Park as well as a plaque which reads: In Appreciation for your years of service, May, 1987 along with a dozen red roses. In 2004 when Emmanuel celebrated their 40th Anniversary, Johnnie was a special guest and again recognized for her years of service. Soon after returning to Polk County, they joined Southern Hills Baptist Church where she remained a member. In February 2006 she was recognized with a Behind the Scenes Award in doing the things that no one noticed until they were done.
Johnnie did lots of sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting and China painting for her family. She was an active member of the Leawood Kansas China Painting Club, and Woodlawn Willing Workers Quilter’s Club of Bolivar and WMU at Southern Hills Baptist Church.
Johnnie was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, her parents, six sisters; Visa Clampitt, Berniece Sallee, Laura Cloyed Payne, Ada Clowdus, Margaret Zumwalt, Dorothy Hopkins, a daughter-in-law; Norma Shipley, and a nephew; Gene Clampitt.
She is survived by her two children; Marlin Dee Shipley of Belton, Missouri, Elderine Milligan and her husband Jim of Bethany, Missouri, two granddaughters; Terri Leonard and Tara Ruble, a great-grandson; Blake Ruble, and a great-granddaughter; Chloe Leonard all of Belton, and a number of nieces and nephews.
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