Mr. Aubrey Austin Lipsey

***A SERVICE IN LOVING MEMORY FOR MR. AUBREY AUSTIN LIPSEY, WILL BE HELD TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2023, AT ALLEN CHAPEL A.M.E. CHURCH ****NOTE: PLEASE SEE VISITATION & SERVICE TIMES LISTED BELOW**** ____________________________________________________________ ATTENTION FAMILY & FRIENDS----TO VIEW SERVICES ONLINE: Go to church's website link at: https://www.facebook.com/allenchapelmichigan?mibextid=LQQJ4d ___________________________________________________________ ****PLEASE NOTE: MASKS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. HAND SANITIZER WILL BE PROVIDED WHEN ENTERING THE BUILDING. If you have any questions, please contact us at: (269) 342-1000 _______________________________________________ Obituary Aubrey Austin Lipsey, the beloved son of Dezzie (Enious) and Aughtery Lipsey, entered this world in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on July 30, 1957. After graduating from Loy Norrix High School and completing an Associate of Applied Science degree at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, he attended Grand Valley State College, receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1980 with an emphasis on accounting and marketing. Though he earned a business degree, Aubrey lived his life following his passions which included music, tennis, volleyball, love of his sisters, and service to his Lord and church. Aubrey started playing the saxophone in elementary school and continued playing in school bands, the Kalamazoo Jazz Band, and, when called for, in orchestras, including a concert with the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony. With his three sisters, cousin Michael Crawford, Jeannie and Michael Gonder, and a variety of musical friends, the Musicales was created, performing for church services and local community events. In addition to playing the saxophone, Aubrey was a self-taught flute player. During his high school years at Loy Norrix, Aubrey played on the varsity tennis team and received a tennis scholarship to attend Grand Valley. After graduation, he served as a Junior and Varsity Men’s Head Tennis Coach in the Kalamazoo Public Schools for over 25 years. He also worked as a Tennis Pro at the Kalamazoo YMCA. Aubrey was an avid beach volleyball player, competing in tournaments around the country. He coached the Loy Norrix Women’s Volleyball Teams (including cousin Margaret Lipsey) for twelve years in the 1980s and 90s. While coaching, he had the opportunity in 1995 to travel with his team to China on a Friendship Tour. Of his teams, Aubrey said, “The only limitations we have are the ones we allow to hinder us.” He was always very protective of his sisters. Don’t mess with Aurelia. If you did, you had better run! As adults, Aubrey and Aurelia had a standing date to see a movie every Sunday. In middle school, people thought Augusta and Aubrey were twins because they waited for each other after school, and one would not get on the bus without the other. And though Audrey is several years older, Aubrey had to approve of every man she dated. Not everyone made the cut! Aubrey grew up in Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, accepting Christ at an early age. As an adult, he was a member of Christian Life Center (Stone’s Church). He served his church by working as a security officer and assisting in the nursery. Aubrey could never pass a baby or young child without talking to them. Even as his health declined, he continued to ask for and participate in daily devotions with his sister Augusta. Aubrey is now with his Father God, his parents, and his cherished younger brother, Auburn Aaron. His life will be celebrated by sisters Audrey Ailene Lipsey Wilkerson, Augusta Arlene and Aurelia Annette Lipsey, a special cousin, Michael Kevin Crawford, who helped care for him during his last years, and a host of cousins, students, and friends. Rest in peace, my brother.

Mr. Aubrey Austin Lipsey

July 30, 1957 - October 23, 2023