Elizabeth Shershin Cromer

Athens, Georgia – It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Shershin Cromer who departed this life peacefully on January 7, 2026, at the age of 63. She was born on November 8, 1962, in Louisville, Kentucky to Catherine Pfeiffer Shershin and Michael James Shershin, II.

Elizabeth Cromer was a beloved wife, mother, sister, friend and a cherished member of the Athens, Georgia community. She spent her early years in Roswell, Georgia and graduated from Marist High School in 1981. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish in 1985, and her Master of Arts in Teaching in Foreign Language Education in 1987 both at The University of Georgia. She was also a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

Elizabeth dedicated her professional life to teaching at Clarke Central High School from 1986 until she retired in 2016. She continued to teach part-time at Foothills Charter High School until 2025. She was known for her gentle, humble, and compassionate heart. Elizabeth was kind to everyone, and she showed care, love, and grace to all her students.

Beyond her professional achievements, Elizabeth was passionate about traveling to Spain, spending time with family and her pets, and being a community member at the University of Georgia Catholic Center for over 40 years. Elizabeth was a generous soul that always put others first. She touched countless lives during her 63 years and left a lasting legacy throughout Athens.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Catherine Pfeiffer Shershin, and her father, Michael James Shershin, II.

Elizabeth is survived by Gary Cromer, her husband of 31 years, her daughters, Mendi Cromer Crews (Jonah), Micaela Cromer Kolbinsky (Keenan), and grandchildren Eden Crews, Carson Crews, and Shepard Crews.

She is also survived by Michael James Shershin, II’s wife, Martha Bankston Shershin; Elizabeth’s siblings: Michael James Shershin, III (Ann), Cathy Roth (Peter), Maggie Kearney (Scott), Martha Cook (Fred); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A funeral service will be held at the University of Georgia Catholic Center on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of the University Cancer and Blood Center for their compassionate care during this difficult time.