Theodore Shipes was born in Johnson City, Tennessee on May 12, 1959. Preferably called Theo by friends and lovingly called Boo by his family. He spent most of his youth in High Point, NC and later moved to Washington DC.

It was there that he began to learn a variety of skilled trades and earned credits at the University of District of Columbia. Not long after, he started a family in 1986 with Pamela Jackson, welcoming their only child, Veronica. Theo had a host of jobs as a technician but most recently was employed with Leon Weiner Associates, Arbor Management. There his esteemed colleagues would grow fond of him and appreciate his candor and work ethic. It was devastating to learn that he was battling cancer. He fought extremely hard but ultimately lost his fight with cancer and transitioned on March 15, 2024.

Theo enjoyed taking trips to Ocean City, Maryland and back to North Carolina to visit his loving family. In his last days, he found peace in mediations, not only for spiritual healing but to manage his pain. He was closely monitored to ensure he would transition comfortably by his loved ones.

Theo is preceded in death by his parents Verlie Mae James and Matthew Shipes, Aunt Rosa Lee Marable and her son John C. Marable Jr., affectionately known as Butch. His sense of humor, strong will and other precious memories will continue to live on by those left to cherish them. He is survived by his daughter Veronica (Ovan) Shortt, two grandsons; Austin and Acesen Shortt; sisters Diane (Arnold) Gregory, Debra Thomas, Amber (Fredrick - deceased) Middlebrooks, brother Anthony Curtis, Aunt Priscilla Mitchell, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other family members. The family appreciates your prayers and condolences as they learn to live without his light. Though it is a loss, he is no longer suffering in pain. A memorial service will be held on March 30th at 12:30 pm