Melanie Shippey

Obituaries

Monday, 03 February 2020 11:09

Melanie Elizabeth Shippey, 62 of Atlanta and formerly of Scottsboro passed away suddenly on Monday, January 27, 2020. A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at St. Phillips Episcopal Church, 2813 Godfrey Avenue NE, Fort Payne, Ala. 35967. Born in Homestead Fla. to Lieutenant Colonel John J. and Opal “Pat” Shippey, Melanie spent her childhood in numerous Air Force bases throughout the U.S. and Japan before serving in the U.S.A.F. herself as an Aeromedical Specialist and a Morse Systems Operator. She received her bachelor’s in social work from Jacksonville State University and her MSW from Alabama A&M University, continuing her life’s purpose serving the public as a social worker for the Department of Children and Families in Alabama and Georgia. First and foremost, Melanie was a dedicated mother to her only child, Elizabeth Leigh (Britt) Gaston. She believed in letting your dreams be bigger than your fears, standing up for yourself and fighting for those who could not fight for themselves. She was adored for her unconditional love that surrounded you like a bear hug and how she gave of herself to others, even when she was running on empty. She will be remembered for her quick wit and follow-the-rules (most of the time) sensibility. Melanie’s passions were helping others, gardening, cooking, reading and most of all, her beautiful daughter’s happiness. If you couldn’t reach Melanie from time to time, it was probably because she was wandering aimlessly through a Target in her off-time or savoring her venti mocha frappuccino with no whip and a domed lid. She brought joy to her friends and family with her devotion and caring for all. She is predeceased by her parents and twin brother, James Shippey, and she is survived by her sisters, Tish Gelineau, Jeannine Shippey; nephew, Jared Gelineau; nieces, Jennifer Clark, Jessica Otieno, Meghan Shippey; and their families.