Obituary for Dolores Gerrard Shipley (Mrs. Beryl)

It is with great sadness and deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Dolores Gerrard Shipley on June 28, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on August 25, 1929, in Benton, Mississippi, and a native of Yazoo City, Mississippi, Dolores touched the lives of all who knew her with her faith, spunk, wit, and relentless dedication to her family and community.

Dolores met the love of her life, Beryl Shipley, at Hinds Junior College. The two married on November 24, 1949, and moved to Cleveland, Mississippi, where they both graduated from Delta State University. Their partnership was one of purpose, passion, and deep devotion.

A lifelong learner and dedicated educator, Dolores earned multiple advanced degrees, including a master’s +30 and a specialist degree in special education from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL). At the age of 60, she proudly completed her final master’s degree in Home Economics/Nutrition–an act of love and purpose to extend Beryl’s life and health. He lived 23 more cherished years.

Dolores was one of the founding teachers of the Genesis program for the Lafayette Parish School System, where she mentored and taught pregnant teens about the importance of education, nutrition, and prenatal care. Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom; she purchased college textbooks for each of her grandchildren–an enduring symbol of how deeply she valued learning.

Dolores was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Lafayette, joining in 1958. She pioneered the church’s “First Place” program–a Bible-based weight loss ministry that helped adults and youth alike embrace biblical principles of self-control, discipline, and health.

A proud member of the Daybreak Adult Sunday School class, she forged many lifelong friendships through her church, her P.E.O. sisterhood, and her cherished social circle including Chez Amis.

She was an accomplished tennis player who played into her late 70s and celebrated many league wins–including a cherished Southern Oilmen’s Tennis Tournament (SOTT) victory. Dolores also loved the theater, maintaining PASA season tickets at the Heymann Performing Arts Center, and took great joy in sharing performances with her local grandchildren.

Dolores was deeply devoted to the UL basketball program. After Beryl’s coaching years at SLI/USL from 1957 to 1973, she remained a passionate supporter and was lovingly known as “The First Lady of UL Basketball.” Coach Bob Marlin and his wife Jenny became dear friends, and the family is deeply grateful for the love and respect shown to Dolores over the years.

“Big D,” as she was affectionately known, leaves behind a legacy of warmth, tradition, and inclusivity. She and Beryl created meaningful family traditions–especially the treasured annual beach trips that spanned generations, filled with laughter, singalongs, and connection. Their home was always open: whether to basketball players in need of a hot meal or children from Girard Park Pool. Dolores & Beryl instilled in their family that love and friendship knows no boundaries and that character always matters more than the color of one’s skin.

She was a magnificent cook who inspired her daughters and delighted friends and neighbors with regular gatherings around the table. Hospitality was not just a gesture–it was a way of life.

She is survived by her daughters, Marilyn Shipley Watson, Patty Shipley Snyder (David), and Amy Shipley Cowand (Scott); nine grandchildren to whom she was affectionately known as Nanny: Cheramie Joubert, Abbey Rubel, Wade Watson, Jesse Cowand, Christopher Cowand, Jennifer Carlson, Matthew Cowand, Leah Case, and Elizabeth Cowand; and fifteen great-grandchildren, along with numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Beryl Shipley; her parents; her son-in-law, Bill Watson; brothers, Dennis and Hal Gerrard; and sisters, Mary DeLoach and Patty Walker.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home – Bertrand on Sunday, July 6, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A Celebration of Life/96th birthday party will be held for Dolores on August 30th at First Baptist Church in Lafayette. Dolores will be laid to rest in a private family graveside service at Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery on Monday, July 7th. Pallbearers will be her grandsons and grandsons-in-law: Jesse, Christopher, and Matthew Cowand; Wade Watson; Rob Rubel; Gael Carlson; and Matthew Case. Honorary pallbearers are Will Rubel, Ronin Cowand, and Keegan Watson.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to her devoted caregivers, Lori Carol Guidry, Crissy Guillory, and Melissa Griffin; and to Hope Hospice and her compassionate nurse, Bethany.

Dolores lived with purpose, loved with generosity, and leaves behind a family who adored her and a community forever shaped by her.

The family requests any donations, or charitable giving, be made to the Beryl Shipley Mended Hearts Endowed Scholarship.

Personal condolences may be sent to the family of Dolores Gerrard Shipley at: www.delhommefuneralhome.com

Dolores Gerrard Shipley and her family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dolores Gerrard Shipley please visit our Sympathy Store.

Please click www.athleticnetwork.net for additional information on the life and times of Coach Beryl Shipley, one of my mentors at SLI/UL and a close friend for several decades.
Peace, Ed Dugas
athleticnetwork@louisiana.edu