Steven Crowther's Obituary
Dr. Steven “Steve” Crowther passed away on April 22, 2022 at the age of 67 in Chapel Hill, NC. His battle with serious medical issues in the last five months of his life showed his courage in facing life challenges with unwavering determination and faith. Despite the challenges, he fought until the end. He passed peacefully that Friday evening surrounded by family.
Dr. Crowther truly made an impact on all those around him; he was a servant leader and a lifelong learner. He received six degrees (a Bachelor’s, three Master’s, a Th.D., and Ph.D.), authored several books and academic articles, and was a leadership and accreditation consultant. He was the President of Manna University (originally Grace College of Divinity) where he took it from a small Bible College to a growing and innovative University. Currently, Manna University (under Dr. Crowther’s leadership) has the record for the fastest completion of the accreditation process with ABHE.
Dr. Crowther was a humble leader who inspired and encouraged all those around him. He has truly made an impact near and far, locally and globally. He pastored 23 years and taught at Manna Christian College, Manna University, Regent University, and partner schools in Romania, Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia. He also was influential in training leaders in Latin American countries, and he continued those relationships until his passing. He trained many leaders who are still making a great Kingdom impact today.
Steve was born March 7, 1955 in Tampa, Florida, to parents Penny Shifflett and Ross Crowther. While attending Bible college in 1975 he met Terri Bresette, and they were married in 1977. They were married 45 wonderful years and were an example to many as they exemplified putting God first and serving each other in their marriage. He was passionate about God and his family. He was a brilliant man, and at the same time he showed his funny side to his family often. He could be found singing down the aisles in the grocery stores with his children, and later on in life he often would sing old hymns down the hallways of Manna University, he was especially known for singing “dropkick me Jesus through the goalposts of life.” Many of his favorite times with the family, especially in the years with grandchildren, was their time spent at the beach.
Steve is survived by his wife of 45 years Terri Bresette Crowther, four children, Jason (Andele), Justin (Anya) and Timothy (Tasha) Crowther, Stefanie (Nick) Ertel, fourteen grandchildren, Emily, Annelise, Malachi, Isabel, Ariella, Alexander, Javan, Lydia, Eli, Elora and Iris Crowther, Alice, Steven and Charlotte Ertel, his mother Penny Shifflett, along with his ten siblings, Cheryl Tidwell, David Crowther, Debra Stevens, Dennis Walker, Diane Alleman, Gary Shifflett, Janet Moore, Randy Shifflett, Susie Aguero, Wendy Cawthorne.
Steve was brilliant, known to be “faster than Google.” He was a servant leader, always uplifting all around him and passionately focused on advancing the Kingdom of God. At the same time, he put his family first–he was a faithful life-partner and a role model to his physical and spiritual family; even now his life continues to be an example to follow. His impact will continue to inspire many!
All are welcome to attend the memorial celebration of life Friday, May 13th, 10:30 am at Manna Church, 5117 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville, NC
Memorial contributions may be made to Manna University (www.manna.edu).
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