Leopoldo "Polo" Guerrero, church planter and pastor for 30 years of Iglesia Hispana El Calvario in Covington, died Aug. 8. He was 73.
A native of Mexico before emigrating to the United States, Guerrero exhibited pride in both countries. While at his church he also led in Hispanic work at Indian Creek Baptist Church in Stone Mountain. As pastor he would often play his guitar and sing for his congregation. He also enjoyed traveling, fishing, and playing basketball as well as watching soccer and UGA football.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Nancy; a daughter, Luisa Duren; son, Charles; siblings Rosa Beam, Pedro Guerrero, Genaro Guerrero, Gaspar Guerrero, Pablo Guerrero, Armando Guerrero, and Irma Guerrero-Martinez; and eight grandchildren.
New Macedonia Baptist Church, LaGrange pastor Jerome Shipman died Aug. 6. He was 62.
A native of Ozark, AL, Shipman became known throughout LaGrange not only as a pastor but as a member of the Troup County Food Bank, Feed the Valley Food Ministry, as a chaplain with West Georgia Medical Center, and through crisis pregnancy ministry. Troup County named December 11 "Jerome Shipman Day" in his honor. Index columnist Paul Baxter recently noted Shipman's contributions in the community.
Survivors include his wife, Peggy, children Demetric Shipman, Tracy Shipman Maddox, Chandra Fields, Yolanda Dents, Christie Wright; nine grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; and siblings Jonathan Coleman, Lee Curtis Shipman, Jr., Mary Jean McGee, Jennie Theus, Delois Grant, Jerry Shipman, Celene Steward, Celestine Shipman, Isolene Shipman, Debra Shipman, and Cleotis Shipman.
Mt. Zion Baptist Church, located at 1752 Macland Road in Marietta, will celebrate its 175th anniversary during homecoming services Sunday, Sept. 16 at 10:30 a.m. Lamar Clarke will bring the message with special music by the Skyline Baptist Youth Choir. Feel free to bring a covered dish and join in with lunch following. For more information call (770) 687-4352 or go to the church's Facebook page.
Summerville First Baptist Church held homecoming services Aug. 19 with The Gold City Quartet. A fellowship meal followed.