The late Mrs. Mary Newkirk departed this life on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. At the request of the family, the remains have been cremated. A Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. from the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Shingler, Georgia. Reverend Forster L. Evans, Jr. will deliver the Eulogy. Services may be viewed Facebook Live from the Shipp's Funeral Home Facebook page or by clicking the Video Stream link on this site's Home Page.

Mrs. Mary Lee Newkirk was born on November 18, 1947 in Sylvester, Worth County, Georgia to the late Mr. and Mrs. Otis W. and Pearlina Poke Newkirk.

Mary was educated in the Worth County Public School System and graduated from J. W. Holley High School. She furthered her education by attending Albany State University and graduating with a degree in Education. Mary worked in the Worth County School System as a Paraprofessional and a Substitute Teacher.

Mary gave her life to Christ and joined Macedonia Baptist Church in Sylvester, Georgia. She served as a faithful member until her health began to decline.

On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Mary departed this life at her home. Her parents, grandparents, and a brother have preceded her in death.

Mary leaves to cherish her memories a sister, Flora Laster, and a brother Freddie (Eloise) Billingslea, both of Sylvester, Georgia; nieces Stephanie Thomas, Pearlina Billingslea, Shadra Billingslea, Octavia Blake, Jamilia Polite, all of Sylvester, Georgia; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other relatives and close friends.