Elsie Gertrude Tippen

Elsie Murphree Tippen,98, passed away Saturday, August 7, 2021 in Abilene. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, August 11th at 1:30 P.M. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Burial will follow at the Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery. Elsie was born August 8, 1922 to W.T. and Gertrude Murphree in Snyder, Texas. After graduation from Snyder High School, she attended Hardin-Simmons University, graduating in 1944. In HSU, she was active in student affairs and a member of the cowgirls organization serving as president her senior year. Following graduation she worked for Magnolia Petroleum Co in Colorado City until her college sweatheart fiancé', Bill Tippen returned from service in World War II. They were married August 4, 1946 in Snyder, Texas. After living in Austin while Bill served in the Texas Legislature and attended law school, they returned to Abilene in 1950. Elsie was a long-time member of University Baptist Church, active in committees, Sunday School and Women on Mission. She served on the Board of Trustees at Hardin-Simmons University for 9 years and on the Board of Development for 6 years. Preceded in death by her parents, a sister and a brother, her husband, Bill Tippen, and her daughter, Jana Nelson. Survived by her children, Kent Tippen, Kevin Tippen and wife Kim, sister Dorothy Rosson, and special nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hardin-Simmons University Scholarship Fund or favorite charity.