Mrs. Layler Shippey Rector (Tubbs)

Ward Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory

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Posted by: Ward Wilson
Date: Aug 30 2024 1:47 PM

  

Layler Shippey Rector (Tubbs)

 

Surrounded by those who love her and ready to meet Jesus, Layler Rector entered her heavenly home on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the age of 92. Born on February 16, 1932, in Calhoun County, MS, throughout life she embodied fierce independence, unwavering faith, and a curiosity that never waned. Truly one of a kind, Layler was not one to mince words and enjoyed a good debate. Her sharp wit, love for God, and devotion to the church left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

 

In 1950, at the age of 18, Layler met and married Oscar Rector. They built a life together for 34 years, becoming parents to four wonderful children along the way. Layler’s tenacity saw her enroll in nursing school at the age of 40, where she graduated at the top of her class, later serving as an LPN at East Ridge Hospital and Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. Layler’s strength shone most brightly when life demanded resilience. Widowed at the age of 52 by the death of her husband Oscar, she remained steadfast to the person she believed God called her to be, drawing from a deep well of Christian faith. Never one to sit idle, through the age of 87, Layler could still be found riding her bicycle around the neighborhood, stopping by to check on friends, attending church services, and tutoring elementary students after school.

 

Layler is preceded in death by her first husband, Oscar A. Rector, second husband, Manley Tubbs, and her son, Mark A. Rector, as well as her parents, Rev. Marvin E. Shippey and Ovie Shippey, and her siblings, Elmer N. Shippey, W.L. Shippey, David Shippey, Helen DeBord, Josephine Highfield, and Cassie Reedy Evans.

 

She is survived by her children, Steve A. Rector (Nancy), Richard M. Rector (Carol), and Susan Dunn (John), as well as her daughter-in-law, Monna Rector. Her legacy lives on in her nine grandchildren—Cameron Rector, Melissa LaGraff (Alex), Rebecca Dragoo (Will), Alison Levin-Rector (Andrew), Julia Hoffman (Allan), Kathleen Dunn, Griffin Dunn (Trevor), Mark Rector Jr. (Kelsey), and Andrew Rector (Kate)—and many great-grandchildren.

 

Layler’s sincerity, strong will, and faithfulness will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege to know her. The family extends heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Gentiva Hospice, especially nurse Stephanie, and Layler’s home care sitter, Barbara Hollis, who were unfailingly good and kind to Layler, her friends, and her family as they cared for Layler at home.

 

A memorial service celebrating Layler’s life will be held at Dothan First Church of the Nazarene in Dothan, AL on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 11am CST. A private interment will follow at a later date at Lakewood Memory Garden South in Rossville, GA so that Layler may be laid to rest next to Oscar. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gideon Bible Society or Nazarene Compassionate Ministries

Ward Wilson Memory Hill Funeral Home Cemetery and Crematory

2414 Hartford Highway

Dothan, Alabama 36305

334-792-4194

 

www.wardwilson.com

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