Shirley Schipper

Shirley (Sterk) Schipper, age 85, was carried from the loving arms of her husband to the loving arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, March 5, 2020. The Lord introduced Shirley to the world on June 8, 1934. Her dearest friend was Jesus, followed by her husband, Jim.  She cherished her children with abandon, and yet she loved to tease and have fun. Her laugh was contagious, and even through her last days, she spread joy wherever she was. Shirley walked faithfully with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ until He called her home. Shirley was a faithful member of South Grandville Christian Reformed Church for over sixty years. The Lord used Shirley to minister through the Coffee Break Ministry and as a Youth Group leader. For many years, she served at the Christian Reformed Conference Grounds and Wycliff Associates in Florida. Shirley was also a beloved volunteer at The Potter's House. But her most beloved ministry was to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Called home before Shirley were her parents, Peter and Anna Sterk; siblings, John and Marian Sterk, Ann and Al Root, Gerritt and Fran Sterk, Sam Sterk, Joe and Alice Sterk, Hank and Wilma Sterk; brothers-in-law, David Visser, and Jack Schipper; granddaughter, Angela Schipper; and daughter-in-law, Cindy Schipper.  She will be dearly missed by her loving husband of 66 years, Jim Schipper; her beloved children, Sandy and Gary Gardner, Nancy and Larry VanDuine, Bob and Karlyna Schipper, Chuck and Julie Schipper, Linda and Dave Wierenga; former daughter-in-law, Kathy Schipper; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; siblings, Bill and Reet Sterk, Ken and Joyce Sterk, Betty and Bob DeJong, Jeannette Visser; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Neal and Pat Schipper, Ione Ehlert, and Donna Sterk. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at South Grandville Christian Reformed Church, 4130 Wilson Ave., Grandville, with Rev. A.J. Gretz and Rev. John Witvliet officiating.  The burial will take place at Floral View Memorial Gardens.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW and Wednesday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Potter’s House.