Joan A. Shipman, 92, of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina and formerly of Front Royal, Virginia passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at her home.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 2 PM at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street, Front Royal with Sammy Campbell officiating. Burial will follow at Prospect Hill Cemetery.
Mrs. Shipman was born on December 30, 1932 in Brockton, Massachusetts. She was preceded in death by her mother, Marion K. Williams; husband, Wayne L. Shipman; two daughters, Darin A. Waugh and Jana E. Williams and step-son, Daniel Wayne Shipman. She was retired after careers as a school librarian for Avon High School in Avon, Massachusetts; as a secondary school teacher with Warren County Public Schools and Randolph Macon Academy; as a Magistrate for the Judicial 26th District and as a tourism consultant for Front Royal/Warren County Visitor’s Center. She was a member of the Helltown Red Hatters and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 33. She volunteered for Samuel’s Public Library, Warren Memorial Hospital and Front Royal/Warren County Visitor’s Center. She was a past member Board of Directors of the Warren County Council on Domestic Violence.
Survivors include three sons, Jeffrey T. Williams (Julianne), Gregory J. Williams (Diane) and Brett C. Williams (Nicole); two daughters, Nora C. Williams Yacobi (Sean) and Sara J. Williams Ahren (Justen); step daughter, Carol Lee Brooke (Frank); thirteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren, three step grandchildren, three step great grandchildren and former spouse, Thomas A. Williams (Rose).
The family will receive friends on Monday, December 29, 2025 from 6 to 8 PM at the funeral home.
I love you grandma ♥️ thank you for everything you did for me in my life, you helped me so much! I hope I am like you when I get older. I hope I see you in dreams & in the afterlife!! You will never be forgotten in the lives you touched on earth.
to the Williams/Shipman families,
we were so sorry to hear about Joanie. I had just spoken with her a few months ago, my funny story with her was when she was suppose to be at her baby shower and she ended up in the hospital having a baby..
She will be missed.
Much love and compassion to Joan’s loved ones and friends grieving her loss. Thank you Joan for sharing all your good things:).
My Dearest Joan,
You have always been the best Sponsor in the world. Your love, gentleness with wisdom from heaven. As you spiritually guided me through the 12 Steps . I am so thankful to your family for sharing you. I love you so much and thank you for being present with me thru the pain of losing two children. Thank you alway and forever I will always carry you in my heart. And one day I will see you again and we will both say Wow!! “Good Friends are the Lord in disguise taking care of his own. “
So sorry for your loss. At 92, she experienced many generational members of her family!
Joan was more than a beautiful, faithful and inspirational friend. Moreover, Joan was a confidant, mentor, and someone who I could always count on to answer her phone or open her heart and home. I will always remember my enjoyable, peaceful visit- Lacie (pup) will too. Lastly, I cherish our many long conversations absorbing Joan’s wisdom and encouraging words. You will be greatly missed my dear friend. Your beautiful legacy lives on through your gentle, loving spirit and strong family spirit shining through your children and grandchildren