Emma Shipley

Emma Irene Shipley of Uvalde, known as Irene to the many who loved her, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 1.

Irene was born on December 10, 1928 in Bryan, Texas to Johny B. and Lola Sample.  She spent her early life in Bryan, graduating from Stephen F. Austin High School.

Overall, the most important things in life to Irene were the lives of her daughter and grandchildren, which brought her to Uvalde 19 years ago. It was here where she quickly found herself amongst beloved friends in the Quail Springs community.

Irene was certainly passionate about relationships. Notably, her younger sister, Mary Ann, with whom she shared a home in Uvalde.  It was not uncommon for these “Golden Girls”, as they were sometimes called, to erupt in fits of laughter over a tv show or a childhood memory.  Whether it was those formed around a card table, lost in hours of Bridge, Pinochle, or Canasta, or the ones forged in the kitchen (she was an excellent cook, with a knack for patience for those who were learning) she thrived on the connections afforded by spending quality time with others.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Aaron Phillips and wife Jill of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Nathan Phillips and wife Kathy of Uvalde, Texas, Cara Schusterman and husband Asher of Houston, Texas, and Caleb Phillips of Austin, Texas, six beautiful great-grandchildren:  Elizabeth, Carley, Abigail, Elliott, Sullivan, and Emma, and her nephews Ken Anderson and Ted Anderson of Nashville, Tennessee.

Aside from those related by blood, Irene was blessed to have her daughter’s friends that she considered daughters of her own.  It is these faithful friends - KT Cockerell, Becky Gerdes, and Jan Gronewald - who served as constant sources of support, even after Jan, her daughter, passed.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Aaron Shipley, Jr., her sisters Mary Ann Sample and Jane Anderson, and her daughter, Jane Ann  “Jan” Phillips.

The family wishes to thank Azucena “Suzie” Alejandro for her constant companionship and love for Irene over the past four years.  Additionally, the family would like to express their gratitude toward the staff at Amistad Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Uvalde Hospice for their unwavering and tireless care.

In lieu of flowers, the family politely requests donations to Uvalde Hospice.

Cremation under direction of Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary.