With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the beautiful life of Shirley Hopkins Shannon, affectionately known as “Ma,” who entered eternal rest on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the age of 86. Just one day prior, she had lovingly spoken with her family—one final reminder of the warmth and joy she had so freely given to everyone around her.
Shirley’s Celebration of Life Homegoing Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 7, 2025 at New Bethel Baptist Church, Townline Rd., Benton Harbor, where she served faithfully for over 40 years. Rev. Maurice McAfee will officiate. Friends may visit beginning at 10:00 A.M. Saturday at the Church. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Arrangements are entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph. Those wishing to sign Shirley’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Shirley was born on April 8, 1939, in Parkin, Arkansas, to the late Rev. John Henry and Leomie Pernell Hopkins. She accepted Christ at an early age and devoted her life to faith, service, and compassion. Her love for the Lord and others radiated throughout her life, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her, from her hometown of Parkin to Benton Harbor, Michigan, and later Memphis, Tennessee.
Shirley lived life with joy, resilience, and purpose. She often reminisced about her childhood in Parkin—buying penny candy from the local store, dancing at family gatherings, and sharing laughter with her brothers. A lover of music and movement, she found joy in dancing and often delighted in showing her daughter Charlotte dance with grace and rhythm, turning even ordinary moments into treasured memories. She loved getting in the kitchen and preparing her family’s favorites–like banana pudding, butter rolls, smothered chicken, biscuits, and rice pudding.
For over 40 years, Shirley served faithfully at New Bethel Baptist Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan. As a devoted Usher, she greeted others with a welcoming smile and unwavering grace. Her service extended beyond the sanctuary—she lovingly prepared meals, visited the sick, sang in nursing homes, and ministered to those she came in contact with. In every way, Shirley embodied the spirit of Isaiah 6:8: “Here am I, Lord; send me.”
In 2022, as her health began to decline, Shirley relocated to Memphis to live with her daughter Natalie, where she remained surrounded by love and care until her peaceful passing.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Sharon “Gypsy” Hopkins; her granddaughter, Sherry Hopkins; and her brothers, Johnny Lee, Major Henny, Harry Curtis, Danny Ray, and Willie Hopkins. Ma leaves behind a legacy of love in her children: sons, Gregory (Betsy) Hopkins of Benton Harbor, MI; Phin Shannon III of Nashville, TN; Rodney (Tonita) Shannon of Fort Worth, TX; Brenner Shannon of Grand Rapids, MI; and Michael (Pentrilla “Penny”) Shannon of Grand Rapids, MI; daughters, Natalie Hopkins of Memphis, TN; Charlotte Shannon of Stevensville, MI; and Felicia Shannon of San Antonio, TX, 20 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren—each of whom held a special place in her heart. She is also lovingly remembered by her brothers, Marcus Hopkins (Las Vegas, NV), Paul Hopkins (Jacksonville, FL), and Peter Hopkins (Kathy) (New Mexico), as well as her sister-in-law, Barbara Ann (South Bend, IN), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Shirley Hopkins Shannon lived a life of deep faith, unconditional love, and quiet strength. Her legacy continues through the lives she touched and the light she shared. Though we mourn her absence, we celebrate her life—a life well-lived, a race well-run, and a servant well-rewarded.
Service Details
Visitation
When
June 7th, 2025 10:00am – 11:00am
Where
New Bethel Baptist Church
Address
2360 Townline Rd.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Service
When
June 7th, 2025 11:00am
Where
New Bethel Baptist Church
Address
2360 Townline Rd.
Benton Harbor , MI 49022
Interment
Where
North Shore Memory Gardens
Address
5027 M-63 North
Coloma , MI 49038
Posted On: Friday, June 6, 2025 3:15 PM
