Shirley Dannenberg

Shirley Dannenberg was born on August 4,1928, to Cornelius and Marian (DeYoung) DeVries. She went on to become a sibling, a sought-after soloist, a registered nurse, a pastor’s wife, a missionary to Chad and the Central African Republic, a Bible school teacher, a mom, a teacher (many ages and subjects), a French high school builder, one of the first two women to graduate from the Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary (summa cum laude), a dorm mom, a grandma, a college professor, a chaplain in nursing homes, a great-grandma, and a wonderful friend to many. Has there ever been a woman who has worn so many hats and worn them well? She will be remembered most of all for her love of Jesus, her love for her children, her amazing courage, her love of music, and her sense of humor.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Earl Dannenberg; her mother and father, stepmother, two sisters, and three brothers-in-law. She is survived by her children, John and Paula (Early) Dannenberg, Mike Dannenberg, Carol (Dannenberg) and Les Carew, and Robin (Dannenberg) and Ron Bullis. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Tom and Richard (Marsha) DeVries; one sister, Mary (DeVries) VanHuizen; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Shirley passed away at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on May 26, 2024, at 2:28 in the morning, following a sudden illness. She was 95 years old.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 8, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Holland, 1066 E 8th St, Holland with Rev. Dr. John Dannenberg officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Saturday, June 8, from 10-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service. The burial will take place at Bentheim Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Give to “Dannenberg MK Scholarship” at https://faith.edu/give/. The link will take you to FBBC’s website. From there, you may call to donate or scroll down to “Online, Donate Here”. That will take you to a drop-down box of choices. Please select “Dannenberg MK Scholarship”. Thank you!