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, Jamey 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
19 Responses
Deepest sympathies. Shipp was a wonderful guy.
I was a freshman in high school with Shipp as a senior. I will never forget how he made me feel I mattered. I am so glad to know he was my brother in the Lord. His sister Eggie was so sweet. What a wonderful family.
Thank you so much for those thoughtful words. What a day that will be!
Thank you for that wonderful story!
My deepest condolences. Although we did not meet until these last few years, we were extremely glad to have enjoyed Shipps kindness and smiles that lit up the room. May God guide him to that better place in heaven where peace and comfort are found.
It is always a blessing to read an obituary of a life well-lived. Shipp’s was surely that … what an amazing man he was!
Beth, I have known you only a short while through a group on FB but you are a blessing to me and I am thrilled about the love you shared and enjoyed with Shipp and your beautiful family. What an inheritance your children are blessed with.
Thank you for being my friend. We both know God will bless you and give you what you need to see you through this very sad time in your life.
Shipp was always smiling and happy. I know my brother Gary Meyerrose always talked about what a great guy that he was. Gary thought of him as a brother- my condolences to his whole beautiful family. He was so fortunate to have his twin Lindsey.
His smile! Though I never had the privilege to meet him, I knew him through Beth’s posts. He was truly a man who followed the Lord and spent his life in services to others. I can picture the Lord “welcome home my good and faithful servant. “ To Beth and all the family I’m praying for you all🙏. I pray to God to send his comforter to you all at this time.
My deepest condolences to his family. Shipp taught geometry when I was in William James Junior High. Our sons were together at Sullivan Elementary. My forensic team was supported by Ms. Dockie Shipp Weems’ endowment fund, and I loved working with Shipp’s sister in that area. Blessings to you all for comfort and peace.
i am so sorry, beth. he was a special man and follower of christ.
I filled in at the court house in 1977 as a clerk for Judge Moore. I met him there with a big smile. very nice man. Shipp graduated with my husband Gary. God Bless the Weems family.
Martie and Gary Work
My deepest condolences, Beth, on your loss. I got to know you through our mutual passion, art, on FB and was always impressed by the light that emanated from you. When I saw photos you posted of your beloved Ship, I saw that same light. You will reunite on the other side one day, but until then I hope you find comfort and peace in knowing this and realizing that he will be able to hear your messages when you speak to him from your heart. ❤️🙏🏻
We remember with fondness you and Shipp and your children living next door to us in Charlotte
You and your children have our deepest sympathy. Special neighbors!
Sending love to Lara, Stephen & family as you navigate this loss. May the memories you have with him bring you peace and comfort.
Your ZCA classmate,
Suzanne ❤️
Ship was a great guy and a very talented and successful trial lawyer. Sympathies to his family.
So sorry to hear of Shipp passing. We were schoolmates and were in the class of 1966. I also carried his mail when his law office was on North Main Street in Dickson. Rest in peace my friend. Donnie and Brenda Fielder
Greetings from Christine
Only today did I learn of your loss. The comfort and peace of the Holy Spirit will be with you in your sorrow.
I have so many beautiful memories of you and your family when you lived in Dickson.
Your mom and dad on the motorcycle going through the drive through without stopping,and forgive me if this seems silly but you pretending to be Dolly Pardon was the best.
Sending all my love and God’s blessings
Such a beautifully written piece about a man who lived an exemplary life. He was surely loved.
Bless you, Shipp and the rest of your family 🙏🏻 love you 😍