Mrs. Anita Shipmon, passed away on February 3, 2026, a resident of Petersburg, Virginia, since the 1980's, who was born on June 28, 1947 in Wilmington, North Carolina, to her late mother Alice Zimmerman-Peterson. From a very early age, she showed grace and strength: qualities that would shape her life and inspire those that knew her. She attended school in Wilmington North Carolina, where she graduated and went on to marry her high school sweetheart. From that union came two sons, Anthony, who proudly served and retired from the  United States Army, and her eldest, the late Jimmy "James" Shipmon, whom she loved deeply.

As a devoted military wife, Anita embraced a life of service and sacrifice. She traveled the world alongside her family living in places such as; Japan, Germany, and other military communities, always creating a home wherever they landed. Eventually, she settled in Fort Lee, where she would spend much of her life.

While there, she continued to grow and pursue her dreams, attending John Tyler Community College and graduating Cum Laude. Her dedication to learning reflected her belief that it is never too late to better yourself. She turned her creativity and passion into a successful family business, "Anita's Gifts and Crafts," located at the Fort Lee PX-a space that reflected her warmth and entrepreneurial spirit.

Anita was deeply rooted in her faith and lived it out everyday through her service to others. She always found ways to support families, children, and those in need, which she was a member of The Super Kids Ministries and NCO Wives Club. Her heart was especially open to individuals with special needs.

She believed in loving people where they were and serving without expectations. Her kindness was not loud or performative-it was steady and sincere. Through her actions, she showed us what it truly means to live a life of compassion.

A memorial service will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, February 14, 2026 in the Chapel of John H. Shaw's Son Funeral Home, Wilmington, North Carolina.

Obituary courtesy of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia 23803, (804) 732-8911. Funeral services entrusted to John H. Shaw's Son Funeral Home, 520 Red Cross Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401