Personal Donor Stories

Mrs. Hammell Shipps

Betty Shipps considers herself a very lucky woman. When she married Hammell Shipps, M.D. JMC ’26, a widower with three grown children, she became an important part of his family, as well as a dedicated member of the Jefferson community. Dr. Shipps, an obstetrician and gynecologist who practiced in Camden and Haddonfield for fifty years, was so devoted to his medical alma mater that he attended not only every reunion of his class, but was present at each and every Jefferson Medical College commencement until his death in 1986.

With funds from her husband’s will, Mrs. Shipps established a charitable gift annuity in memory of Dr. Shipps that provides her with income for the rest of her life. She says, “I did it for his love of Jefferson.” At her death, the principle of the annuity will pass to Jefferson Medical College.

Mrs. Shipps recalls her husband telling her that, in the early days of his practice, he once accomplished three home deliveries in one night. And after he passed away, she learned from some of his surgical patients that Dr. Shipps, who served as a General Delegate of the Methodist Church, offered a prayer before beginning each operation.

Before her marriage, Mrs. Shipps was executive secretary to the CEO of the Trenton Cracker Company. Now living in a retirement community in Marlton, NJ, she actively participates in exercise class, nature walks, and a diner’s club, as well as traveling extensively to visit family members scattered across the United States. She is a devoted member of the Methodist Church. And then there are the twenty-four great grandchildren with whom she keeps in touch. As she says, “I love them and they love me.”

Mrs. Shipps is lucky indeed. Her life is filled with love and with memories. Jefferson is fortunate to have her generous involvement.