Deacon Emeritus Henry Lois Shropshire, 90, peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. Deacon Shropshire was born on August 4, 1934, to Samuel C. and Nancy "Truly" (Smith) Shropshire in Lafayette, Georgia. Affectionately known as "Papa" by his grandchildren and close friends, he grew up as a farmer with his 9 siblings and parents in Lafayette. He later traveled by train to Springfield, Ohio, where he stayed with his Aunt and Uncle Lula and Henry Harshaw. In Springfield, he worked at several machine shops and companies, building a decent living. His brothers,  Jack, Mack, and JD, and their sister Margie also relocated to Springfield.

Deacon Shropshire's move to Springfield proved fortuitous not only for his career but also in meeting and marrying Norma Jean Williams. Together, they lovingly raised four children, Kim, Sean, Paula, and Todd. A life devoted to serving God and his family, Deacon Shropshire was ordained as a deacon at St. John Missionary Baptist Church on October 31, 1992. He was honored with a plaque from St. John for his services as Past Custodian on December 19, 2015, and received another plaque in recognition of his 60+ years with the Male Chorus Choir. He taught Sunday School, drove the church bus and especially enjoyed picking up children for Sunday School. His spiritual ministry included faithfully visiting the sick and shut-in, always bringing smiles, singing old hymns, and offering heartfelt prayers. Deacon Shropshire cherished traveling back to Georgia for the annual family reunions, where he shared comical stories, greeted family with hugs, and lent a comforting ear to those in need. On August 16, 2024, at the family reunion in Dalton, Georgia, the Shropshire family honored him as the "Patriarch" of the family, a recognition conveyed through a plaque sent by his beloved niece, Sandra (Pookie) Montgomery Shropshire. He worked faithfully for 30 years at Harrison Radiator in Dayton, Ohio, earning recognition for his dedication. Even in his final days as a resident at Allenview Nursing Home, he continued his service as a deacon, supporting worship services, and rolling through the facility offering joy and hope to fellow residents through songs and prayer.

Deacon Emeritus Henry Shropshire leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and service. His unwavering commitment to his family, his church, and his community has touched countless lives.

Deacon Emeritus Henry Shropshire is survived by his wife, Norma Jean (Williams); his daughters, Kim Shropshire, Sean (Forde) Shropshire, Paula (Sherman) Shropshire, and his son Todd Shropshire; four granddaughters, Stephanie Shropshire"his beloved", Chae (Carter) Stockdale, Imani (Munyaka) Sherman, and Donnique Sherman; two grandsons, Marek (Asia) Carter and Donald Jr. Sherman; three great-grandsons, Carrington, Camden, and Carter; and two great-granddaughters, Amiya and Aryanna, Mary Shropshire (a loving sister-in-law); special nephew, Harvey Shropshire and a host of nieces nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Andrew (AJ), George, Samuel (Jack), Bruce, J.D., Donald, Marion (Mack) and two sisters, Margie Ann Custer and Margarite Mitchell. Thank you to his special nephew, Harvey Shropshire and special friends, Howard Applin, Robert Hill, and Brock Seibles.

As we remember his life, we take comfort in knowing he is now at peace with the Lord. He will be deeply missed but forever cherished in our hearts. We will miss you Dad, Deacon, Papa, Pops for the extraordinary life you lived as a husband, our beloved Deacon, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend!

Visitation is Friday, September 13, 2024 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. in St. John Missionary Baptist Church.  Burial will follow in Ferncliff Cemetery. livestream provided by St. John Missionary Baptist Church.         saintjohnmbc.org/funerals