Mary Ellen Shope

Bartow -Mary Ellen Shope, age 81, passed away on July 3, 2025, at Winter Haven Hospital. She was born on November 4, 1943, in Donalsonville, GA. She was the daughter of the late Herman M. and Allie (Thompson) Loyed. She worked in healthcare most of her life. She loved the Lord and helping others. She participated in local Prison Ministry and Christian Ministries throughout her life. Mary was preceded in death by her sisters Mabel Sellers and Evelyn Fish. She is survived by her children Jan Thompson (Tommy) of Bartow, Sherry Spivey of Riverview, & Robin Nix (Butch) of Clinton, TN, and David Shope. Mary also leaves behind her grandchildren Joe Thompson (Nicole), Caitlin Townsend, Aaron Spivey (Katherine), Amber Boland (Kevin), Tiffany Gibbs (Cameron), Travis Nix (Bobbie), & Taylor Shelley (Zack), and twenty-two great grandchildren. Family will receive friends Friday, August 1, 2025, from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow. Funeral service will be held Friday, August 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home. Interment will be held at Wildwood Cemetery, Bartow. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com