Mrs. Mary Foster Shropshire

 Mary Foster Shropshire was born at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, GA to the late Janie Jewel Johnson on May 3, 1934. She was raised on a farm in Madison, Ga by her maternal Grandmother's brother and his wife; the late Thomas and Ollie Belle Foster.  Mrs. Ollie Belle Foster was affectionately known as "Big Mama". She was a strong and resourceful woman who raised two daughters of her own, Laura and Viola (both deceased) and also raised Viola's oldest daughter, Ollie Mae Foster-Terrell.  Mary and Ollie Mae grew up together like sisters, although ten years apart. Mary was also blessed with and survived by two biological brothers and a sister: Michael Johnson, Charles Johnson, and Shirley Johnson-Washington.  She loved and nurtured all of her siblings and mothered them like Big Mama mothered her, with mentorship and wisdom.
Mary departed this earthly life on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at the age of 91.

As a young adult, Mary moved to Philadelphia to live with her second cousin (foster sister) and husband (Laura and William Kitchens) for employment opportunities. While working in Philadelphia, PA, Mary was on a train to Gary, Indiana and she met twin brothers, Allen and Alfred Shropshire.   They made an instant connection and became fast friends.   Allen and Alfred were drafted into the U.S. Army on August 19, 1957.  Allen and Mary were married later that year on December 28, 1957.  After marrying, Allen and Mary lived in Columbia SC where Allen and Alfred were stationed during their two years of service in the Army.   The Shropshire twins were discharged from the military on August 18, 1959 and the three of them returned to Philadelphia to settle down. In Philadelphia, Mary and Allen grew their family. Steven was born on March 29, 1964 and Jessica was born on January 26, 1966.    In November of 1967, the family moved from the city to the suburbs of Philadelphia, Norristown (now Blue Bell), PA.

While raising a family, Mary worked as a mental health specialist and Occupational Therapist in geriatrics for the State of PA.  She started a family run cleaning business while working on a Masters Degree in Human Services from Lincoln University.  In April of 1988 Mary and Allen relocated to Kendall Park, NJ.  While living in NJ, Mary worked with developmentally challenged youth and adults at Skillman Village. In both states, Mary developed innovative programs for mentally handicapped clients in state institutions.   Her programs became the standard for patient therapy in both states.In January of 1996, Mary moved to Rome Ga, Allen's birthplace, to oversee the construction of their retirement home.   On July 1, 1996, Allen retired from Wyeth Pharmaceuticals as a cardiovascular research scientist to join Mary in his hometown of Rome. While in Rome, Mary worked at Northwest Regional Hospital with the mentally disabled.   She also worked as a home health aid and a substitute school teacher.   She organized and lead a verse speaking choir, was active with the NAACP, helped initiate and run a tutoring program for school age children, taught piano and always cooked and hosted at her home for any person or cause that was in need. Mary and Allen also started a radio show on WRGA called "Food for Thought". The program ran from 1998-2007 and covered community activities and events.

Mary has always been active in her community church.  She loved to sing in the choir and get involved in community activities.
1957- Mt. Hebron Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA.  
Rev. Calvin L. Jones, Pastor
1962 - Oak Lane Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, PA.  
Dr. Richard Armstrong, Pastor
1970-Zion Baptist Church, Ambler, PA  
Rev. Gerald Chapman, Pastor
1988- Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church, Princeton, NJ Dr. Adrian McFarlane, Pastor
Dr. John White, Pastor
1996-Metropolitan Methodist Church Rome, GA
Rev. Harvey Palmer, Pastor
Rev. King Harris, Pastor
Rev. Charles Reese, Jr, Pastor

In Dec of 2007, Mary and Allen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends with a renewal of vows. She also celebrated her 90th birthday in May of 2024 surrounded by those who were closest to her in life and love. She celebrated her 91st birthday and final Mother's Day this month and reached an amazing milestone of 67 years of marriage to her best friend and life partner, Allen T. Shropshire.

Mary leaves to cherish her memories: Husband, Allen of Rome; Son, Steven Shropshire and fiancé Stephanie Myers of Norristown, PA; Daughter, Jessica Shropshire; grandsons, Jevon and Jordon Shropshire-Sands of Cranbury, NJ.; Siblings, Charles Johnson, Michael and Charlene Johnson and Shirley and Michael Washington of Indiana.
Sister/Cousin Ollie Mae and Wesley Terrell, and children, Michael, Ronnie and Michelle Terrell.
Cousin, George Kimbe, Pheonix, AZ and a host of other relatives and friends also survive.

Tributes:

She was the love of my life, my inspiration and my purpose.  I am lost without her but proud to call her my wife for life.
-Husband, Allen

She has always been my rock and was always there for me and her family and friends.  She was the one I could always depend on to be there through thick and thin.  I am grateful and proud to call her Mom and her spirit and love will always be with me.
-Daughter, Jessica

Celebration of Life for Mrs. Shropshire will be May 30, 2025 at 12 noon at Metropolitan Church (700 Broad St, Rome, GA 30161). Entombment will follow the Celebration at Oaknoll Memorial Gardens (2549 Shorter Ave, Rome, GA 30165).  Viewing will only take place at Metropolitan Church at 11 am May 30, 2025 until Celebration hour.

To the Shropshire family, we at F. K. Jones Funeral Home extend to you our deepest sympathy and condolences.

Our prayers remain that your abiding faith in God will continue to comfort, to strengthen, and sustain you during your time of bereavement.

Care and Direction entrusted to F. K. Jones Funeral Home Rome Chapel.

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