Josephine "Jo" Sibley Shippen

Jo was born in Greenwood, SC, on November 4, 1939, the daughter of the late William A L Sibley and Nancy Wilson Sibley. She was raised in Union, SC. Jo graduated from the Westminster schools in Atlanta in 1957 and Converse College in Spartanburg, SC, in 1961. After graduating college, she returned to Atlanta to teach at Westminster until 1966. She met and married Ben Shippen of Atlanta on August 17, 1963. Ben and Jo loved to travel and enjoyed many trips around the world.

A devoted Christian, Jo served as a Sunday School teacher and Deacon at Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta. She later joined Peachtree Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School and served in ministries benefiting young mothers. A gracious hostess who was active in her community, Jo belonged to the Atlanta Junior League and Northwood Garden Club and she served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including Atlanta Community Ministries (now Orchard), Winning with Encouragement, and Kindred Spirit.

Jo cherished her time at the beach. Her move to St Simon’s Island in 2016 brought her great joy. She relocated to Augusta in August 2021, where she became a member of Saint Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in North Augusta.

Jo is predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Ben Sumner Shippen, her sister Nancy Sibley Dunn, and her brother William A L “Bill” Sibley. Surviving are her two sons, Benjamin S. Shippen, Jr. (Sara Beth) of Tallahassee, FL, daughter Nancy Shippen Livengood of Atlanta, the Rev Joseph J Shippen II (Suzanne) of Augusta, GA, eight grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at H. M. Patterson & Son - Arlington Chapel on Wednesday, November 20 from 5-7pm and a memorial service will be held at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in the Kellett Chapel on Thursday, November 21 at 2pm followed by a reception.

In remembrance of Jo’s life, donations can be sent to Orchard (formerly Atlanta Community Ministries) or to another charity of your choice.