Martha Shipman

Martha Bridger Shipman, 83, of Columbia, SC (Formerly of Bladenboro) passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2016. She was born on November 19, 1932 in Bladen County to the late Livingston A. and Evelyn Freeman Bridger. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, William David Shipman, Jr. and a brother, Herbert L. Bridger.

She graduated from Bladenboro High School in 1950, St Mary's Jr. College in Raleigh in 1952, and UNC in Chapel Hill, NC in 1954 with a BA degree in Education and Clemson University in Clemson, SC with a Masters in Education. She had a love for her family, education and her past time was Genealogy.

She is survived by two sons, William David Shipman, III (Nancy) of Columbia, SC and Michael Livingston Shipman of Holden Beach, NC; one daughter, Sharron S. Kovalchik (William) of Fredericksburg, VA; six grandchildren, William Matthew Kovalchik, Jr., John Nicholas Kovalchilk, William Bishop Shipman, Taylor Elizabeth Shipman, Meredith Taylor Shipman and Jeffrey Allen Shipman.

She taught elementary school for 40 years. As a lifelong learner and educator, Martha always encouraged her family and students to reach, pursue, and not give up on any goals for life they set. Each of us has special talents and skills to develop in whatever path in life we choose. After retirement she was able to devote more time to travel, reading, and her true passion for geneology. Tracing family history, sharing how, and what she learned, listening and sharing family stories with relatives was a pastime she spent many hours enjoying.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 23, 2016 from 10:30 am until 11:45 am at the First Baptist Church in Bladenboro. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 noon with Rev. Dr. Bert Young officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 500 N. Main St., Bladenboro, NC 28320 or Pine Crest Cemetery Fund, PO Box 157, Bladenboro, NC 28320