Norris E Shipp

Norris Edward Eugene White Shipp, 71, of Greensboro, NC was called home on November 4, 2021, at Beacon Place. Norris, better known as “Gene”, was born April 4,1950 to the late Howard and Catherine Shipp of Mooresville, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Catherine Shipp; his wife Sylvia Patterson- Shipp and his brother, Carl Shipp.

Gene was known to be a hardworking, intelligent, multi-skilled individual and great provider for his family. Gene grew up in Mooresville, NC where he graduated from Iredell County Schools. Shortly after graduation, he took up a trade and started his lifelong career in Plumbing and HVAC when moving to Greensboro and taking employment with Ransom & Sons Plumbing, where he remained employed for several years.

In the Late 80’s Gene moved to Bluefield, WV, where he took another step further into his career by becoming the first black male in his position at Allied Refrigeration. Over the course of many years, Gene also earned a bachelor’s degree in Business, and started his own company, Shipp’s Plumbing. After devoting over 30 years into the industry, he took an early retirement, but remained active by doing side jobs for colleagues and friends. Gene was a faithful and devoted member of John Stewart United Methodist Church, Bluefield, West Virginia. In 2019, after having a heart attack, Gene returned to Greensboro NC to live with his daughter Ashley, who served as his full- time caregiver. He spent the best of his days catching up with old friends and spending time with loved ones. In May of this year, Gene was diagnosed with Stage IV Lung cancer. During this battle, he relied on his faith to give him the courage and strength to fight. Though we know that Gene was an overcomer, the Lord stepped in and offered him eternal rest.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Youlanda Wilder of Tampa, Fl, Ashley Shipp (Brandy), Monica Malone (LeBerne), and Derrick Whitsett (Nancy), all of Greensboro, NC. Two sisters, Charlene Graham of Tennessee, and Myra Shipp of Spencer, NC. Two brothers, James Shipp of Bayboro, NC, and John Shipp, of Spencer, NC, 12 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, dearest friends James Whitsett, Gaye Mackenzie, Peggy Hudson, and Beverly Crenshaw; cousins, nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

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