Shirley J. Coley 1936-2024

Shirley was born Dec. 25, 1936, in Pinsonfork, Kentucky, the daughter of Virgil and Bonnie (Runyon) Slone. Shirley was a homemaker and loved providing and caring for her family most of her life.

Once her children were grown and on their own, she decided to begin a career in floral design, which came naturally due to her creative talents. She retired at 71 so that she could care for her ailing husband at home.

In the ’70s she enjoyed ceramics, creating many beautiful pieces of art, which she proudly displayed in her home. She always loved gardening, whether it be vegetables or flowers. With her harvest of both, she would make jellies, can vegetables, make delicious meals and design fresh flower arrangements to brighten everyone’s day.

But most of all she loved serving God at Northside Baptist Church in Youngstown, where she has been a member since 1972. She served in many capacities on multiple committees, but her calling to service was as a Sunday school teacher. She taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ to children of all ages. As a result, many of those children, now adults, are believers and servants of God still today. Her tender loving care and fervent love for Jesus flooded her home as well, creating a long legacy of believers.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memory, her oldest son, Danny (Dianna) Coley; her oldest daughter, Shelby (Randy) Trumphour; and her youngest daughter, Bonnie Sue (John) Franklin; but sadly, her youngest son, Steve, preceded her in death in 2019.

She will be greatly missed by her precious grandchildren, Danyal, Jennifer, Johnny, Deanna,

Steven, Randy Jr., Kandyce, Sarah, Katie and Jeana. She also has 14 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren with one on the way; and her cherished angel in heaven, Lana.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Elijah M. Coley, whom she married Jan. 12, 1953.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Traditions Hospice and Palliative Care for the care she received in her last days. Also a special thanks to family member, Tonya Fetty, for giving such great care and love to “Grandma.”

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made in Shirley’s name to Northside Baptist Church, 500 Goldie Road, Youngstown, OH 44505.

The family will receive relatives and friends 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 10, 2024, at Blackstone Funeral Home in Girard. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the funeral home, with calling hours one hour prior to the service.

Visit www.blackstonefuneralhome.com to view this obituary and to send any expressions of sympathy to the family.

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