Early Ship

THE OBITUARY

Please don’t say I gave up; just say I gave in;

Don’t say I lost the battle, for it was God’s war to win;

Please don’t say how good I was, but that I did my best;

Just say I tried to do what’s right; to give the most I could, not less;

Please don’t give me wings and halos, that’s for God to do;

Don’t worry about me; I’m well with God, I’ve made it home!

EARLY SHIP was born May 7, 1945, in Troy, Alabama to the late Marshall, Sr. and Ollie Mae Ship. He departed his earthly home shortly after reaching his 80th birthday. He had previously resided in Quincy, Florida, Palmetto, Florida, and Hilton, New York. He was a diligent worker as well as a master gardener. He never fully retired, as he always found activities to keep him busy, even after surviving lung cancer. He was one of fifteen children.

EARLY was preceded in death by special siblings, Arthur Lee Shipp, Eddie C. Shipp, John Shipp, Marshall Shipp, Jr, Bertha Mae Brascomb, Lizzie Leath, and Minnie Lee Brascomb. EARLY was also preceded in death by his special nephews, Benjamin Brascomb, Patrick Lockwood, and John Ship; and special nieces, Johnnie Mae Brascomb, Glenda Faye Sierra, and Josephine Brooks.

Although EARLY didn’t have any biological children, his nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces adored him and respected him as a father figure. The bond was unbreakable. He loved interacting and joking with his family and friends alike. EARLY never met a stranger.

EARLY was a compassionate, warm, and loving person. He made friends easily that lasted throughout his lifetime. A void has been left in the family and within our hearts that can never be filled, but his legacy lives on in the Family. He was a special part of our family and we will miss him very much.

EARLY’s memories will be forever cherished by his loving sister, Rosie Lee Weatherspoon, of Tallahassee, Florida; and numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces; and all who counted him as family.