Emma "Chris" Shipley

Chris was born March 23, 1931, in Alpha, New Jersey, to her parents Emma Holtz and John Holtz. She graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 1949 and attended Dietitian school in New York City.

Chris met and married the love of her life Bert Shipley and they lovingly celebrated 65 years of marriage. She is predeceased by her husband Bert and brother John Holtz, Jr. Bert’s love and admiration for Chris was expressed by his claim that “she is an angel on earth.”

Her devotion and passion were to her family. She was a full time Mother and homemaker throughout her adult life attending to the needs of her husband and children.

Chris served her community as a genealogy volunteer at the local Family History Center in Orange Park for many years. She was dedicated to researching genealogy. She and Bert traveled to cemeteries and court houses in many states in her research efforts.

She was a friend to many and never met a stranger and was so generous. Whenever you left her house, she wouldn’t let you leave empty handed.

Chris is survived by her children: Dr. Dawn Basinger (Ricky), Ruston, Louisiana; Bert S. Shipley (Lynn), Fleming Island, Florida; and Diane Kite (Denny Hilliard), Green Cove Springs, Florida; their seven grandchildren: Eddie Basinger (Tiffani), Casey McCaa (Rob), Margaret Wright (Doug), Eric Shipley (Morgan), Chad Kite, Chelsa Gantea (Johnny), Michael Hilliard and eight great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law Georgia Holtz and her five children.

A celebration of Chris’ life will be held at HARDAGE-GIDDENS HOLLY HILL FUNERAL HOME, 3601 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, FL on Saturday, April 9th. A viewing will be at 10:00 am and the service at 11:00 am.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hollyhillfunerals.com.