Dr. Jerry Eugene Sipe

Dr. Jerry Eugene Sipe passed away on December 9th, 2023 at the age of 81, in Anderson, Indiana due to respiratory complications.

A lifelong learner and teacher, Jerry mentored and instructed thousands of college students during his 30 years as a full-time faculty member of Anderson University’s Biology department and then later, in his retirement years, as an adjunct professor at Ivy Tech Community College. His love of science and teaching eventually led to his co- authorship of several secondary education text books and lab manuals, alongside his lab partner-for life, Dr. Betty Sue Burns Sipe.

In pursuit of his dream to become a college professor, Jerry had amassed an impressive and distinguished number of academic accolades in his life time, including a BS degree in Chemistry from Lenoir Rhyne University (Hickory, NC), a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Evansville (Evansville, IN) and a PhD in Biochemistry from Bowman Gray Medical School (a division of Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, NC). In addition to that, he was selected as a Fulbright Lecturer at the University of Nairobi (Nairobi, Kenya) to research and study African sleeping sickness.

Jerry and Betty grew up together in their hometown of Hickory, North Carolina. After dating, Jerry and Betty married in September of 1962. In the 61 years of their marriage, the couple had three daughters, Donna Sipe, Sherri (Sipe) Massengale and Rebecca (Sipe) Buchan, married to Tory Buchan, 16 grandchildren: James Massengale, Jacob Massengale, Alyssa Massengale, Ashley Massengale, Jared Massengale, Abigail Massengale, Josiah Massengale, Anna Massengale, Amanda Massengale, Aubri Massengale, Aria Massengale, Joseph Massengale, (their father, Steve Massengale), Ariel (Buchan) Prassas, Alexa Buchan, Avery Buchan and Ashlynn (Buchan) Long and six great-grandchildren. Family was at the core of Jerry’s life and he spent much of his time fellowshipping with his loved ones while adeptly tutoring them all on the finer points of playing Bid Euchre or Rook. If there was a deck of cards within reach, you knew a game would soon break out.

As an extension of his family, Jerry was also highly involved in his community. He spent 25 years volunteering as a telephone counselor and trainer for the 24 hour help line Contact Help. He taught countless hours of Sunday School, over the decades, to various age groups. He lead and participated in various church small groups. He served as a Stephen Minister for Madison Park Church of God. He spent years singing bass in the church choir and then later as a member of the church bell choir. His quick sense of humor, logical decision making and authentic care for those around him were the bedrock upon which he built his life.

Most importantly, faith was an integral part of Jerry’s life. Quietly in the background, Jerry’s heart for Christ was evident and guided so many facets of his and his family’s life. It is for this reason that although he will be sorely missed, his family and friends can rest in the knowledge of his eternal life with his Savior.

His legacy can be found in his family and the thousands of health care professionals who were all former students.

A memorial service for Jerry will be hosted by his family at the Anderson University School of Theology’s Miller chapel (located to the north of and connected to the Nicholson Library, 1030 University Blvd, Anderson, IN 46012) on Saturday, December 30th, 2023. Friends and family can call at 10:30a with a service at 12:00p. ASL interpreters will be provided. Please join us for this celebration of the life of our husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher and friend.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Anderson University in Jerry’s name by going to www.anderson.edu/give/.