Shirley Sue Cropsey, 77, went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 9, 2026, in Lexington, South Carolina.

She was born on April 16, 1948, in Dowagiac, Michigan, to Harold and Catherine Shannon. She graduated from Marcellus High School and later received her RN degree. Shirley lived and served with her family in Togo, West Africa, with ABWE for 20 years. Her book, What God Can Do, is a compilation of letters she wrote to her mother during that season.

Shirley’s life was anchored in her devotion to God and reflected in her care for those around her. She raised her sons to love and follow Jesus and extended that same spiritual legacy to her grandchildren. Her love shone brightly through the many ways she served, both in the United States and in Togo. She opened her home with generous hospitality, led Bible studies, mentored spouses of medical professionals, served faithfully in children’s ministry, and nurtured meaningful relationships through a faithful, far-reaching correspondence ministry. Her positive attitude through decades of medical challenges was a testimony to her unwavering confidence in the goodness of God, even in the midst of suffering.

She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Robert Cropsey; her four sons, Luke (Heather), Joshua (Nannette), Matt (Mandy), and John (Jessica); her sister, Star Milloy; and her thirteen grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Bruce Shannon.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 14, from 10:00–10:45 AM at First Baptist Lexington (415 Barr Rd), followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM. A live stream of the service can be accessed at the FBLex YouTube channel @fblex3136 here. A second visitation will take place in Shirley’s home state of Michigan on Saturday, February 21, at 10:00 AM at Calvary Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan, followed by a celebration of life service at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to ABWE to support church expansion of N’Digbe Baptist Church in Togo. Please indicate “in memory of Shirley Cropsey” in the additional processing instructions.