Lois Marie Dykes Shipman

Lois Marie Dykes Shipman, a cherished pillar of her family and community, passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on March 8, 2026, in Guilford Co., NC. She was born on the Fourth of July in 1944, a fitting birthday for a woman whose life was a celebration of the love and freedom she held dear. Lois was born in Washington Co., TN, to her late parents, George and Pearl Russell Dykes, and was recently preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Shipman, along with her many loving brothers and sisters. Lois lived a life marked by devotion and joy. She was the heart of her family, a loving and caring presence who will be profoundly missed. Her legacy will live on through her sons, Leonard Bruce Dabbs Jr. and his wife Samantha, and Drew Dabbs, who learned the value of love and family from their remarkable mother. Her grandchildren, Elizabeth Prine and her husband Sean, and Leonard Bruce "Trey" Dabbs III and his wife Sierra, were blessed to experience the warmth of her love and the light of her spirit. Her great-grandchildren, Jackson, Annabelle, and Rosalee, surely will continue to feel her influence and love as they grow, carrying forward her values and memories in their hearts. Her connection extended beyond bloodlines to encompass close family friends Susan and John Crawford, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Each of these relationships was carefully tended to by Lois, much like the beautiful flowers she nurtured with such affection. Her love for horticulture was only paralleled by her passion for creating stunning pieces of jewelry, which she artfully crafted and then proudly displayed at local craft shows. She will be remembered not only as a loving and devoted wife and mother but as a treasured grandmother, sister, and friend. Each role she played was carried out with grace and unwavering love. Today, as we reflect upon the life of Lois Marie Dykes Shipman, we are reminded of the beauty that one life well-lived can bestow upon the world. The light of her life shined brightly, touching all she encountered, and will continue to do so through the memories she leaves behind. Her loved ones will gather to celebrate Lois's life and carry her story forward as a beacon of love, dedication, and joyous spirit.

There will be no services held at this time. McClure Funeral Service in Graham is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to AuthoraCare Hospice at 914 Chapel Hill Rd. Burlington, NC 27215