Jessie Makaila Shipps

For eleven years, Jessie served her country in the U.S. Air Force from September 2003 until September 2014 and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. Her last assignment was at the Defense Information School at Fort George G. Meade in Maryland as a photography instructor. Jessie also served as a forensic photographer at the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickham, in Hawaii. During Operation Enduring Freedom, she served with the 455th Operational Support Squadron, at Bagram AB, in Kabul, Afghanistan as a weapons system video technician. As a photojournalist, she had also served with the 344th Wing Public Affairs, at Davis-Monthan AFB, in Tucson, AZ. She was awarded numerous awards and decorations, including 2 Joint Service Commendation Medals, 3 Air Force Achievement Medals, a Joint Meritorious Unit Award, 2 AF Outstanding Unit Awards, a National Defense Service Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and an Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border.

Jessie is survived by her spouse of 5 years, Leeanna Shipps; daughter, Grace Taylor; parents, Richard and Patricia Shipps; and brothers, Alex and Zach Shipps.

A memorial service celebrating Jessie’s life will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, June 29 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 250 Fox Hill Road, in Hampton. Following the service, a reception will be held at the church.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.