Socorro Bitas Shipman, 90, passed away peacefully in Clarksville, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Shipman, and leaves behind a family forever shaped by her love, strength, generosity, and devotion.

Socorro was born in Tangaro, Catarman, Camiguin Province, Philippines, to Euterio Bitas and Efepanya Encarnado. One of eight children, she grew up alongside her siblings Teodulo, Noryo, Pedro, Oryong, Climaco, Julieto, and Vincente Bitas. Her journey eventually brought her to the United States, where she made her home over the years in Los Angeles, California; Tampa, Florida; Columbus, Georgia; and finally Clarksville, Tennessee.

Caring for others was woven into Socorro’s life. She was a loving wife to Paul and a devoted mother to her daughter, Vivian Shipman Vaughn. She also spent many years working as a housekeeper and nanny, extending the same nurturing spirit she gave her own family to the families she served.

Perhaps one of her greatest joys was helping raise the generations that came after her. She played an extraordinary role in the lives of her grandchildren—Antjuanette Shipman, Jasmyne Vaughn, Victoria Vaughn, and Joseph “LJ” Vaughn. Her love reached beyond generations and traditional family roles as she also helped raise her great-great-niece, Kayla Sullivan, and Austin Keenan, welcoming them into her home and loving them as her own.

To those who knew her, Socorro will be remembered for the many ways she made people feel cared for. Her homemade lumpia and pancit brought family together, while her love of sewing and gardening reflected the patience and care she brought to everything she did. She had a wonderful sense of humor, a warm smile, and a generous spirit. Her home and her heart always seemed to have room for one more.

Socorro remained deeply connected to her Filipino roots and to her large extended family, including generations of nieces, nephews, and relatives both near and far. Family was never simply something she spoke about—it was something she lived through the way she welcomed, cared for, fed, encouraged, and loved those around her.

A devoted Catholic, Socorro’s faith remained an important part of her life. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, reunited with Paul and resting in the presence of the Lord.

Socorro is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Vivian and Joseph Vaughn; her grandchildren, Antjuanette, Jasmyne, Victoria, and Joseph; Kayla Sullivan; Austin Keenan; her siblings, Oryong and Pedro Bitas; her niece Marivil Bitas; and many cherished nieces, nephews, relatives, and loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents, Euterio and Efepanya Bitas; her husband, Paul Shipman; and her siblings Teodulo, Noryo, Climaco, Julieto, and Vincente Bitas.

Socorro’s life was one of faith, family, service, and love. The care she poured into others will live on in the generations she helped raise, the traditions she passed down, and the countless lives made better simply because she was part of them.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23