Sara Shipley Petty

She was predeceased by her parents Andrew Campbell Petty and Sara Knott Petty. She was also preceded in death by her sister Virginia “Ginger” Petty Hambright. She is survived by Jane Petty Heiser (Ed), J. William Petty (Carrie), Robert Petty (Mildred), Virginia Petty Dorminey and nephew Drew Hambright.

Shipley was born and grew up in Dalton, Georgia. After graduating from Dalton High School, she attended the University of Georgia and received a Liberal Arts Degree in 1966. While at UGA, she was an active member of Phi Mu sorority which was the first sorority at the University of Georgia when the Alpha Alpha Chapter was established there in 1921.

After graduating, Shipley went to work for Delta Airlines in Atlanta. She rose steadily through the ranks and held many executive positions at Delta—it was the only company where she ever worked. She was very proud to have contributed to the “The Spirit of Delta” initiative when Delta employees worked together to purchase the airline its first Boeing 767.

During her years as a busy executive with Delta, Shipley was actively engaged with her family, friends and community while working in the time to travel. She was a member of Northwest Presbyterian Church and a member in the Fielding Lewis Chapter, National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution. Shipley loved to read great literature: the classics, Agatha Christie and all things British. She enjoyed music and loved to sing.

Shipley was a gracious hostess, a considerate and supportive friend, and a loving care-giver to her family and loved ones.

Jane Petty Heiser and Edward Heiser, Stephen and Suzie Barber and Celeste Shoffner Johnston and Bob Johnston are particularly grateful to Dorene Kemp for her loving care of Shipley over the years. We also thank the caregivers of the Mann House for the service and care they provided for our Shipley. We are truly grateful and appreciative.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to UGA Miracle (https://www.ugamiracle.org); this Children’s Miracle network hospital is the campus philanthropy for the Alpha Alpha Chapter of Phi Mu. Another organization dear to Shipley for contributions would be the Northwest Presbyterian Church in Atlanta (http://www.nwpcatlanta.org).

A memorial service will be held on November 16, 2022 at 11:00 am at H.M. Patterson and Son, Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd., NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.