Shirley L. Kermani 1939-2023

Shirley was born in Indiana, Pa, on Aug. 29, 1939, to Clyde and Olive Johnston.

She married Taghi T. Kermani in Youngstown, in 1960 and raised their four children, as well as numerous foster children, during their 28-year marriage.

She was preceded in death by her ex-husband; her parents; a sister, Kay Piper; and her aunts, Maxine Tucci and Georgetta “Jay” Parlanti.

She is survived by her children, Venus (Rick) Pallo, Thomas Kermani, Zohreh (John Morris) Kermani and Joy (Todd) Harkins; eight grandchildren, Michael, Ricky and Alexis Pallo, Bronwyn and Kurtis Kermani, Chris and Drew Harkins and Hank Kermani-Carlson; one great-grandchild, Cassie Pallo; a brother, Jim Johnston of Florida; two cousins, Suzanne Cooper and Patrick Tucci; several nephews and nieces; and her friend of 45 years, Carla Johnson.

After completing nursing school, Shirley worked briefly as a registered nurse at Southside Hospital in Youngstown, before returning to YSU to earn a master’s degree in education. She taught for more than 30 years at Liberty Local Schools, where she earned numerous awards and accolades for her teaching. She is remembered fondly by her many past students for her patience, her kindness, her love of poetry and reading and the ubiquitous bowl of Jolly Ranchers on her desk. After retiring, Shirley moved to Charlotte, N.C. in 1998, where she continued teaching for several years. Teaching was her passion, and the years spent raising her children and teaching “her kids” were the happiest times of her life.

Shirley spent the last 20 years living in Charlotte, N.C. and Columbus, Ohio. She was a kind, caring person whose generosity was unparalleled. She rescued animals, went on numerous mission trips with her churches and was a devout Christian who genuinely followed Jesus’ example by helping others at every opportunity. She was a patient, loving and involved mother who will be deeply missed by her children and everyone whose lives she touched.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at Fox Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512. A private burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

The funeral service will be streamed online for friends and family who are unable to attend at www.facebook.com/events/892716488828744/.

Visit the memorial page at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089335662820

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating, in Shirley’s name, to the Children’s Defense Fund, www.childrensdefense.org/.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox and Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.

Family and friends of Shirley may visit www.fox funeralhome.org to view this obituary and to leave condolences for the Kermani family.

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