With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the life of a beloved husband, father, devoted family man and a faithful friend to all who knew him. Jerry Lynn Shipley, age 79, stepped into heaven to be with our Lord & Savior in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

With his loving family by his side, he released the earthly hands of his loved ones and slipped into the hands of Jesus.

Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2026 at Eden Chapel. Interment will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

July 16, 1946 in Greenville, TN, with the beautiful backdrop of the "Great Smokey Mountains", Jerry made his debut into this world. Born to Mary Nell Shipley and Henry Payne, Jerry arrived just as this country was celebrating the end of WWII. This little patriot would eventually grow up to serve his country he loved so much.

At 2 years old, Jerry's family left East Tennessee and moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, where Jerry attended Stillwater Public Schools all 12 years. During this time, he met Linda Shipman, whom he married in November,1965. Together Jerry and Linda built a journey of love, faith and family devotion that spanned 47 years. To this marriage, 2 Children were born, Kerrie Lynetta Shipley and April Sue (Shipley) Shelton. Sadly, in 2012 Linda lost her battle with cancer and stepped into heaven at the young age of 64.

At a time when Jerry had resolved to spending the rest of his years devoted to taking care of Kerrie (Jerry & Linda's Special Needs Daughter) and devoting time to April & David Shelton and Grandchildren, God had other plans. Sue (Ashcraft) Sangster entered his life and they were united in marriage in March, 2015, spending the next 11 years, loving, laughing and serving the Lord.

Jerry never met a stranger and had a God-given talent of making everyone feel welcome, valued and loved. He had a way of reaching out, putting his arm around anyone, bringing them alongside him and encouraging them to recognize their own worth in the heart of God. Whether through a warm smile, a helping hand or a word of encouragement, he touched countless lives with kindness, compassion and genuine friendship. He always "Chose to be a friend" and after a while, friends suddenly became family. He always made the person he was talking to feel like they were the most important person in the world.

His smile could light up any room, his hugs healed a broken heart, and his eyes reflected the kindness of Jesus. He always loved time with his family and friends! He enjoyed short trips to Branson or wherever family and friends could talk him into going. However, those out-of-town trips could be no longer than 3 days, the world might fall apart if he was gone from home for longer than 3 days! Once when his wife, Sue asked him about going on a church trip to Israel, his reply was, "Only if I can be back in 3 days"!

He loved his church family at Eden Chapel in Perkins and later in life he also adopted the Fairview Baptist Church Family in Edmond where his wife, Sue worked.

After serving in the Oklahoma National Guard, Jerry worked in various professions, including helping his mother, "Mama Nell" manage and operate the Taco Hut, a beloved family-owned restaurant in the heart of Stillwater. Eventually Jerry became owner/operator of J & L Maintenance, working closely with Property Management Companies in the Stillwater area. He eventually retired and spent his later years taking care of his family and home, creating a sanctuary for anyone needing a respite from life.

Jerry is preceded to heaven by his mother, Mary Nell Shipley; father, Henry Payne; first wife, Linda Shipley; daughter Kerrie Shipley; brother, Norman Shipley; grandmother, Lula Mae Greene and his bonus son, Virgil Danforth as well as many other family members that we honor and remember today.

Jerry is survived by his Wife, Sue Shipley of the home, Daughter and Son-in-law, April & David Shelton, Grandchildren, Mykelti (Jack) Pritchard and Dawson (Megan) Shelton; Great Granddaughter, Eve Pritchard; two Great Granddaughters due to arrive in August, plus a host of family and friends.

We rejoice knowing Jerry is whole, healed and in heaven with our Savior, Jesus Christ and so many loved ones that have gone on before him. His life was a gift to all, his love was contagious and his memory, a light that will continue to shine on our path here on earth. Jerry, we love you, miss you, yet we know we will see you again.

Condolences may be emailed to the family and an online obituary may be viewed by
visiting www.strodefh.com .