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Bonnigene Stephens Shipp

1930 - 2020

Bonnigene Stephens Shipp obituary, 1930-2020, Dallas, TX

Bonnigene Shipp Obituary

SHIPP, Bonnigene Stephens Bonnigene Stephens Shipp, age 89, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend died peacefully at her home on July 5, 2020 after recent failing health. She had spent the day enjoying her children and grandchildren. Bonnie was born 9-22-1930 to Joe Wheeler and Lois Stephens in Dallas, TX. After graduating from North Dallas High School, she attended Maryville College in Tennessee for 2 years, returned to Dallas and worked before marrying Hartsel Shipp, who she met while attending Scofield Memorial Church in high school. Bonnie and Hart shared a gift of service to others and demonstrated it through their years together at Scofield. Bonnie served at church through sewing clothes for missionary families, cooking meals on Wednesday nights, helping mail out the church newsletter, working with the Pioneer Girls, running the church nursery and serving as the cook at Camp El Har for many, many summers. Even when Bonnie returned to work after raising her family, her service spirit shown as she helped students in the Dallas Bible College Bookstore and later as she managed the Student Mail center at Dallas Theological Seminary. She retired only to stay home and care for her husband as his health declined. Bonnie had a keen and creative mind and had many interests including gardening, sewing, crochet, puzzles of all sorts, bowling, camping and traveling with friends and family, visiting art museums, reading (especially biographies and history), and watching sports. Baseball was her favorite. Through the years as she lost friends, family and health, she stayed determined to keep active and enjoy life. A glimpse of her house today would show a yard full of flowers, a puzzle on the table, books she was reading, and perhaps a program from a recent home tour or museum outing, along with collections of anything related to bluebonnets or hummingbirds. Bonnie will be remembered fondly as "Mom Shipp", a role she truly embraced. She was Mom to her own 6 children and the many friends they brought home, and to her sons and daughters -in-law, who all became her children the minute she met them. The list also includes the hundreds of children she cared for at the Scofield nursery, the Dallas Theological Seminary students who needed a shirt button sewn on or a kind word after a tough exam, all of her friend's children, many nieces, nephews and her beloved grandsons and step- grandchildren. Her spirit of service, kindness, patience, and unconditional love was boundless and instantly felt by anyone who met her. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Hartsel Shipp, and her daughters, Ruth Ann Shipp and Deborah Shipp. Bonnie is survived by her children: son and daughter-in-law, Steve Shipp and Marianne Miller; daughter, Mary Jean; son, Michael; daughter-in-law, Kristy Reynolds; daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Greg Griffin; grandchildren: Jeremy Fagan, Ryan Fagan and Noah Griffin, her brother and sister- in-law, Joe and Betty Stephens; sister- in-law, Dena Tartaglia, and many nieces, nephews, and "extra" children. Due to current safety concerns, there will be a private, family-only graveside service and a plan for a celebration of Bonnie's life at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Union Gospel mission, Wycliffe Bible Translators, The Dallas Arboretum, or your favorite museum

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dallas Morning News from Jul. 9 to Jul. 12, 2020.

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Beverly Frentress

July 3, 2023

Remembering one of the most loving, genuine ladies I had the pleasure of knowing. I think of you often and know your love, Hart along with Ruth and Deborah are all together. You are truly missed and will always be loved and holding a special place in my heart.

Melody "Penny" Griffin

July 10, 2020

How deeply sadden I was to hear of Mrs. Shipp's passing. I remember the first time we met. Our families were sharing a holiday dinner after the marriage of my brother Greg and Elizabeth. Mrs. Shipp, like a mother hen, opened her arms and welcomed us all to the family. Trust me when I say the Griffin family is a Clan. She embraced us all. Our families have shared in many occasions - birthdays, graduations, marriages, new births, and even loss of loved ones. Mrs. Shipp remained that same through out the years. She was that loving spirit that watched over us all. Truly a gift from God. Our deepest sympathy and love to the family. Please know that Mrs. Shipp was very loved and will forever hold a special place in the hearts of the Griffin Families. We will miss her. Lifting you all in prayer.

Barbara Crossno (MamaCross)

July 9, 2020

I didn't get to know her for very long, but we became friends very quickly. She, just like me, was content to sit quietly- not having to talk all the time, which made her quick, sharp wit even better. I'll miss her.

Kathleen

July 9, 2020

My sincere condolences. I never had the pleasure of meeting her but from hearing Elizabeth speak of her, she must have been a phenomenal person. Love and prayers to your family during this time.

David Foster

July 9, 2020

Bonnie will certainly be missed. I loved visiting with her and Hart and seeing them at family reunions. Love you, Bonnie!

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

Kate Aoki

Planted Trees

Beverly Frentress

July 9, 2020

I was fortunate to call Bonnie Mom Shipp, and later my children called her Grandma Shipp. We were welcomed into the Shipp family through my wonderful and dear friend, Ruth Shipp 30 years ago. Bonnie was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. She was loved from the minute you met her and welcomed you with open arms. I loved her active spirit and her willingness to go anywhere her friends and family asked her to go. Most of all I loved sitting on the sofa after Sunday lunch or Monday dinner watching the Cowboys, Rangers, or any sport. Bonnie was one of a kind and will be missed by her family and all who knew her. God took one of his most precious angels home. Love always my second Mom❤❤❤

carol seiler

July 9, 2020

A wonderful woman who lived a beautiful life; welcoming, loving, and generous.

Martha(McAfee)Malec

July 9, 2020

Bonnie is a precious friend to me and my family. A true servant of the Lord and others!

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