Joseph Monroe Shrewsbury

On January 30, 2016, the Lord called his faithful servant, Joseph Monroe Shrewsbury, home. Joseph was born to James and Vergie Shrewsbury on February 1, 1927 in Daniels, West Virginia. Joseph lived a simple life devoted to family and God. One of nine children, Joseph took on responsibilities to help his family at an early age. He began working on the C&O Railroad at the age of 13 and was drafted into the U.S. Army at 18, where he continued to support his family back home. During his service, he advanced to the rank of Sergeant and served for two years in Germany during WWII. Joseph’s loyalty to his country earned him an honorable discharge after the war. Upon Joseph’s return, he wed Mary Elizabeth Robertson, with whom he exchanged many letters during his time in the war. Starting his own family, Joseph then returned to his work on the railroad, as well as working in the coal mines of West Virginia. Joseph and his late wife, Mary, were married for 62 years. Although they had many hardships to endure in life, their unwavering trust in the Lord brought them much happiness. Their love for each other, their family, and God set an example of living by faith for their six children and grandchildren. Joseph was a minister of the Gospel for over 66 years. He began pastoring in 1958, when shortly after he built his first church in Sundial, West Virginia. Following a vision from God, Joseph and his family moved to Newark, Delaware in January 1966, where he continued his ministry and later founded Word to the Bride Tabernacle in 1976, which he pastored until his passing. Joseph loved and cared for everyone he met and preached the grace of God to all. He taught his sheep how to pray, how to love, and how to serve the Lord. “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” To be in Joseph’s presence was to feel love, see humility, and hear the word of the living God. As a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was a solid foundation to his family. To be near him offered one peace, joy, and comfort. He was the ultimate example of meekness, patience, kindness, trust, and love. He was always available to offer encouraging words, a heartwarming smile, or a gentle touch. It was a blessing and an honor to sit with him and listen to his stories of fishing or hunting. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. But, what he desired most was to talk about Christ, Our Savior, and sing songs of worship in the circle of his family. Joseph praised the Lord with his family by his side until his last breath. What a beautiful sight to behold: a man who lived for heaven receive his most deserved reward. “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.” Joseph’s legacy lives on through the lives of his family. Joseph is survived by his loving and devoted wife of five years, Mildred, his six children, Shelia, Aletta (David), Teresa (Max), Joseph Michael (Kathy), Annette, Mark (Connie), and Mildred’s four children, Maryland, Terri, Loetha, and Vanessa. He was greatly admired by his grandchildren, Amie, Sarah (Josh), Jason (Amanda), Kristina, Elizabeth, Adam, James (Elizabeth), Katie (Kendall), Michael, Emily, Joseph, Hannah, Lydia, Sierra, and Mildred’s grandchildren, Danielle (Ali) and Deianna. His testimony will be heard by his seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Roy, sisters, Gladys, Gledis, and Lillie, and his many nieces and nephews. Joseph was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Mary Elizabeth, his parents, James and Vergie, siblings, Paris, Zillian, Charles, and Lillian, and his sons-in-law, Willie Mullins and Mark Surtees. Visitation will be Sunday, February 7, 2016, 3-5 PM at Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Road, Newark, DE 19702. Another visitation will be held Monday, February 8, 2016 from 10-11 AM followed by a service at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Gracelawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Word to the Bride Tabernacle’s building fund, 706 Donald Drive, Newark, DE 19713. For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com

Joseph Monroe Shrewsbury

February 1, 1927 - January 30, 2016

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