Arvella Shipman

SHIPMAN, Arvella (Choate)  Age 82, of Grayling, formerly of Flint, died Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at Mercy Hospital in Grayling. Services will be held 11 AM Friday, March 26, 2004 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek with Rev. Richard Sample officiating. Visitation will be held 4-9 PM Thursday at the funeral home. Services will also be held 2 PM Monday, March 29, 2004 at House-Gregg Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge, AR. Visitation will be held 12 noon until the time of service Monday in AR. Interment will be held at Strangers Home Cemetery, Alicia, AR. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Mrs. Shipman was born October 14, 1921 in Lawrence County, AR, the daughter of John W. and Lucy V. (Nunnlly) Lewis. She married Hershel H. Choate in 1941 and he preceded her in death in 1970. She then married Preston Shipman in 1978 and he also preceded her in death in 1984. Mrs. Shipman retired from General Motors Metal Fabrication in 1970 after 17 years of service. She resided in Flint from 1946 until 1970 when she returned to Arkansas. She resided in Arkansas until 1998 when she moved to Grayling. Surviving are: son, Roger Choate and wife, Sharon of Flint; two daughters, Emma and husband, Garry Savage, Vastina Merrell, all of Grayling; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister, Ollie Belle and husband, Dean Simmons of Conway, AR; many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by: her parents; brother, Homer Lewis; sister, Pearl Winfrey. Friends may share their online condolences with the family at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.