Louise Huntington Shipps

Louise Huntington Shipps, aged 92, passed away on February 27, 2024. She was a beloved wife, mother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Louise was born on August 25, 1931, in Lexington, MA. She graduated cum laude from Boston University in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Art. That same year, she married Lt. Harry W. Shipps of Bordentown, NJ, and moved to Savannah, GA, where he was stationed by the US Navy during the Korean War. After his military service, they moved to Sewanee, TN, for his seminary education.  Following his ordination in 1958, parish ministry took them to three Georgia parishes, returning to Savannah upon his ordination as Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia. Her husband’s ministry had a profound impact on her life, her art, and selfless service to her church and the community.

Louise spent her life as a homemaker, professional artist, art teacher, and volunteer.  Her paintings, collages, and drawings were featured in more than fifty art shows, juried competitions, and exhibits between 1972 and 2011. During her lifetime, she sold and gifted numerous paintings.   She taught art at the former St. Pius X High School in Savannah, GA, the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art in Augusta, GA, and private classes. In later years, her art focused on specialized work in traditional Russian Orthodox iconography. She presented an icon as a gift to the Archbishop of Canterbury in England, where it is displayed in Lambeth Palace. Her icons are on view in several Episcopal churches throughout the Diocese of Georgia and in private collections.

In addition to her artwork, Louise was a dedicated church and community volunteer. She volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, March of Dimes, and Emmaus House, among others, and for nine years directed a tutoring program for at-risk students living in poverty in Augusta, GA. She served on numerous committees and boards associated with the Episcopal Church, including the diocesan Peace and Environment Committee and the Episcopal Youth and Children’s Services Committee. She served on the steering committee and coordination team for the 1992 Global Forum of Georgia conference to address climate change.

Throughout her life, her love of art, religious history, and extensive travel took her to many countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Following her husband’s death in 2016, Louise moved to Clemson, SC, to be closer to family. She was a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Clemson, SC. Louise is survived by her four children, Ruth C. Shipps, Susan P. Shipps, Rebecca W. Eidson (Michael Diemer), and David H.W. Shipps, Sr. (Sydney), eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

The Mass of the Resurrection will be held Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 2 PM at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Clemson, SC, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall.  Interment of her cremains will be scheduled at a later date in Savannah, GA, where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Clemson, SC, and designated for the St. Paul’s Renovation Fund.

Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home and Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.