Mrs. Shirley Ann Gillen Shipley Nidiffer, age 79, Jonesborough, passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at her residence.
Mrs. Nidiffer was born in Johnson City and the daughter of the late Cecil “Pete” & Lillie Parks Gillen. She was also preceded in death by her husband, R.C. Nidiffer, brother, James “Buck” Gillen, sister, Martha “Tiny” Styles, great-grandson, Todd Gillen and sister-in-law, Becky Moore.
She was a member of First Baptist Church of Jonesborough. She was always involved with the Children’s Ministry, Missions and member of the Senior Choir. She was former officer for the District Office for the United Methodist Women.
Mrs. Nidiffer graduated from Boones Creek High School in 1959. She retired from Garland Hardwoods.
Survivors include children, Sherry Lyle (Marvin), Donne Shipley (Anita), Cecil “Buddy” Shipley (Georgia), Rose Mary Ellis (Jason) and Roy “Cotton” Nidiffer (Sami); fourteen grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren; step-mother, Ellen Phillips; siblings, Eddie Gillen (Sandra), Brenda Ford (Don), Vickie Gillen, Sarah Arrowood (Alvin), David ”Buster” Gillen (Malinda), Lillie Hinkleman (Mark), Sheila Carroll (Dan) and Wes Gillen.
Shirley was mom to many and maw to all.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Blackmore for his loving, Christian care over the years and the hospice caregivers, Debbie, Ashley, Linda and Pam.
Funeral services will be conducted 7:00 pm Friday, October 30, 2020 at First Baptist Church of Jonesborough with Dr. Lester Morelock, Mr. Jeff Shipley and Mr. Donnie Lee Shipley officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm Friday, at the church, prior to the service. Services will be live streamed on the church’s face book page fbc Jonesborough.
Graveside services will be conducted 11:00 am Saturday, October 31, 2020 at McCarty Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Bill McCrary, John David Shelton, Gene Caldwell, Jr., Caleb Caldwell, Chris Gillen and Cecil Shipley, IV.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Jonesborough 201 East Main Street Jonesborough, TN 37659 for the Children’s Ministry or Missions.
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Shirley. We will always remember her beautiful smile and that she was always so soft spoken and so sweet. We know she and R.C. and all the rest are up there in Heaven having a sweet homecoming. Praying for God's comfort during this very difficult time. Sending our love and in our thoughts and prayers. Virginia Nididffer, Steve Nidiffer, David Nidiffer, Mickey Nidiffer, Jim Nidiffer, Sherry Nidiffer Hurly and families
10/30/2020
Diana Gale Shipley Loyd
Sherry, I am saddened to learn to your Mother's passing. I remember her as a very plesant and giving person. My prayers are with you and the entire family.
I went to McCarty Methodist Church with Shirley for many years. She was faithful to the church and so very kind to me and my Grandma. She always had a smile where ever I saw her. My condolences to all of Shirley's dear family.
10/30/2020
J.Shannon Zukas
Thoughts and prayers for the entire family...She was a great friend and neighbor to my family,as well as myself..She loved the Lord and Her family.
10/30/2020
Deanna Beard Kaywood
So sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. Prayers lifted for your family.
Shirley was family to me and will always be in my heart. She was the grandmother of my first nephew, Jeff Shipley and such an inspiration to me. I always told her that you could feel the love when you walked into her house. She was usually in her kitchen and we had many talks there and by telephone. I will always remember her sweet smile and kind words, even in difficult times. She was a true example of a Christian woman and loved others and her family so fiercely. To know Shirley was to love her. She will be missed. I send my love to the family and due to the virus, will not attend the service, but will be there in heart and watching live stream. I am thankful to have known Shirley and many of her family members. To her family, I am sorry for your loss and send a hug and my love to you.
10/29/2020
Donnie and Angela Payne
We are so sorry for your loss. Ms Shirley was an inspiration to our 2 children and our family ! She will be dearly missed but her spirit will live in all of you . Love and Prayers to the whole family ❤️
10/29/2020
Shirley Cutshall
Shirley and I have been Sisters in Christ for a long time. We met through the UMW. I loved her dearly. We also were members of the Jonesborough Senior Center Majesty Choir. I will miss her terribly. Dear family, please accept my prayers and deepest sympathy.
Sorry to hear for your loss she was a wonderful person she gave me my 1st bible in 1995 I will cherish forever prayers go out for the family
