History

The annual Shipman Memorial Scholarship program was organized November 2001 in remembrance of William Dewey Shipman, Sr. to generate funds to help defray post secondary school expenses for qualifying, deserving, local youths. In 2003, Zenah Mae Clarida Shipman was added to the scholarship. Mr. and Mrs. Shipman were both avid, dedicated Zionites for many years and strongly believed in God, their church, children and education.

The project was born in the hearts and minds of the children and exploded with the help of other family members and church members and friends. The children as follows: Annie Mildred Addison Rhodes, Brunella Shipman, Willa Dean Shipman Williams, Callie Mae Shipman, William Dewey Shipman, Jr., Michael Lynn Shipman, and Raunchy Wendell Shipman. Each year the family personally blesses the church with a gift such as an antique upright piano, computer and desk, tables and chairs, framed pictures of scholarship recipients, Bibles, established “Wall of Fame” of deceased church members, clock, plaque, CD players, audio speakers for fellowship hall, valances for dining hall, table clothes, assortment of kitchen utensils/serving and cookware, a desk and hutch, desk chair, lamp, rug, chairs and other accessories for pastoral study, and array of kitchen towels, Christmas tree, poinsettias, exit and restroom signs for the sanctuary, and established the wall of recipients.

Over the past 19 years, 2002-2020, 119 young people have been blessed with $500 scholarships each. The scholarships are awarded to 3-7 students each year upon approval and acceptance by the Shipman Memorial Scholarship Committee.

Recipients for each year are included in the souvenir booklet. Their progress is monitored and we are proud to say that all recipients have finished their undergraduate college degrees or enrolled pursuing them. To God be the Glory!!!

The Shipman Memorial Scholarship fundraising program is held each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

The Shipman Family belongs to Saint James A.M.E. Zion Church (Sandhill Community).