It is with great love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Shipp Robbley Weems, born March 28, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, and raised from infancy in Dickson, Tennessee. Shipp passed away with his loving wife by his side on November 14, 2025, after a battle with cancer. Shipp was known for his vibrant personality and big, beautiful smile. He smiled through both joy and adversity, and his positive outlook was the cornerstone of his life. Never a stranger to others, he greeted everyone around him with his Christ-filled spirit of kindness.
During law school, Shipp was also a teacher at White Bluff Elementary School. He enjoyed those years immensely and kept in touch with many of his students. But just like the Weems who came before him, his pursuit was in the field of law. The Weems family is steeped in legal history with both Shipp’s father and grandfather being attorneys and judges. Shipp followed in their footsteps and became the 3rd generation attorney, followed by his daughter, Lara, as the 4th. At the age of 29, Shipp became the youngest City Judge of record. In his private practice he was a dedicated servant to the people, and it was in these formidable years that he would be shaped for what was to become his future.
There were many times in private practice that he would handle cases for clients out of the goodness of his heart. Bags of wild mushrooms, vegetables, country hams and fresh eggs were brought to the office in appreciation. He was well loved and respected just as he loved and respected others. In 1986, Shipp started the first Public Defenders pilot program for the State of Tennessee. Based on its’ success, the State adopted his platform, and the Public Defender’s Office was born. He dedicated nearly 30 years to defending the underprivileged and balancing the scales of justice. He was called “The People’s Advocate” by those that knew him best. He worked tirelessly averaging nearly 300 cases a month and one of the few that were qualified to try capital punishment cases.
The Weems–Rezapour Scholarship for Justice and Public Service was established in 2025 by his daughter, Lara, to honor her father’s legacy and lifelong commitment to serving others. Awarded annually, the scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate integrity, community service, and a dedication to helping those in need—values Shipp embodied throughout his career and his life.
Most importantly, Shipp was a follower of Christ, and it shined brightly in both deed and action. He was faithful to the Lord and so grateful for his salvation. During his career, he would often say “If God can love someone like me, who am I not to love others.” And it was his relationship with Christ that carried him to the end.
Shipp left behind his family whom he loved dearly. He was a devoted husband to Beth Jackson Weems for 40 years. Their lives were woven together in adoring love and devotion. He was also a loving father to his children Sundee Bieker (Dennis) of Springhill, TN, Stephen Weems (Tina), Lara Weems-Rezapour (Reza) and his daughter by love, Rachel Weems, all of Deland, FL. He also left behind his 5 beautiful grandchildren and 2 precious step grandchildren, Lindsay Beth, Jackson Robbley, Alexis Grace, Rosalie Kate, James Alexander, Ella Elizabeth and Natalie Noel. His family was his priority and his love for them brought him the greatest joy.
Shipp also leaves behind his two sisters, Jamie McIntire (Wayne) of Burns, TN and his twin sister, Lindsay ‘Eegie’ Weems (David Kobliska) of Simpsonville, SC. Shipp is preceded in death by his father, Judge James A. Weems and his mother Joene Elisabeth Weems.
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 1, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation at 10:30 A.M. until the time of service at Stetson Baptist Church DeLand, FL 32724. Shipp’s brother-in-law, Pastor Gary Jackson will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Futures Foundation, Weems-Rezapour Family Scholarship for Justice and Public Service. All donations on this site will be received to honor Shipp Weems in the months of November and December 2025. https://www.futuresvolusia.org/help/index