Nathaniel Shipp

Nathaniel Shipp was born September 22, 1964, to the union of the late Rev. Robert Thomas Shipp and Susanna Hodge Shipp in Blytheville, Arkansas.

He was baptized at a very early age by his father at New Hope Baptist Church. As an adult, he was baptized again when he knew the Lord for himself. He professed his hope in Christ, and loved to sing and direct the choir. He attended Eastport School and Elston Jr. High School until 8th grade, when he returned to Blytheville and attended West Jr. High. Nathaniel sang and directed the choir at First Baptist Church, choreographed for his Aunt Era Floyd, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority; and The Gentlemen of Quality of Blytheville, Arkansas.

When his parents became ill, he returned to Indiana to help care for them. He worked in retail for many years at Subway and Wilson Leathers. Nathaniel was very instrumental in the family businesses: Shipp’s Rib Crib, Crown Liquor Store, Baker Gentle Home Care and Momma Sue’s Cafeteria. Nathaniel modeled throughout Northwest Indiana and Illinois and choreographed for the Pride Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Nathaniel departed this life on Friday, February 14, 2020 at Aperion Care-Arbors in Michigan City.

He leaves to mourn his passing one son, Samuel Bryan (Ramira) Rogers of Houston Texas; two granddaughters Hannah and Taniya Rogers. Nathaniel was the youngest of thirteen siblings. Rev. R. T. (Lorna) Shipp Jr. Nashville, Tennessee; Joseph (Deborah) Shipp, Bloomington, Illinois; Loyce Gaston, Chicago, Illinois; Era (Raymond) Marshall, Silver Spring, Maryland; Linda (Tommie) Hall, Little Rock, Arkansas; Melba (William) Weather; Freddie Shipp, Marvin Shipp, Denice Shipp-Glenn, all of  Michigan City, Indiana; Catherine Dixon(Larry) Gosnell, Arkansas; the late Mickey Shipp and Cedric Shipp; one uncle Henry Doan, Flint, Michigan; along with a host of friends, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; as well as special friends Marsha Calvin, Tasha Seawood, Ranetta Head, Billy Morgan and, in the loving memory of Alma Moore. “For those of you who know my struggles, I’m ok now on the other side”: Nathaniel (Pookie) Shipp.

He will be sorely missed by all that knew him.

Memorial Services will be 3:00pm Saturday, March 28, 2020.

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