Jeannette L. Williams 1942-2025
BOARDMAN — With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Jeannette Louise Williams of Boardman, whose presence illuminated the lives of those fortunate enough to know her. A cherished individual, she left this world peacefully on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, after an extended illness.
Jeannette was born Oct. 10, 1942, in Youngstown, the only daughter of David Williams and Clarice Stevens Williams.
She grew up in the Brownlee Woods neighborhood, attending Jackson Elementary and graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1960. She pursued degrees in education from Kent State University (B.A. in 1964, M.A. in 1968) and was a proud member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international professional society for women educators. She completed postgraduate work at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Virginia.
She returned to Youngstown and taught second grade at Jackson Elementary School for 34 years. Her mother taught first-grade classes across the hall for several years. After her retirement in 1997, Jeannette volunteered as a reading and literacy tutor for another decade.
Throughout her life, Jeannette exemplified kindness, resilience and an unwavering dedication to her family, friends and passions.
She was a lifelong member of Brownlee Woods Presbyterian Church (later merged with Heritage Presbyterian Church), serving as an elder, deacon and Sunday school teacher. The church was an essential part of her long, happy life.
For more than four decades, Joe Kershbaumer blessed Jeannette’s world as her friend and constant companion. In Joe’s words, “she is the joy of my life.” He died in 2023. Jeannette was a beloved member of Joe’s family. His daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all enjoyed and appreciated her kindness and love.
She is also predeceased by her brother, D. Alan Williams and his wife, Lou, of Charlottesville, Virginia, and her other brother, H. Wayne Williams. Wayne’s wife, Merry, continues to live in Palm Desert, California. Jeannette was adored by her six nephews and one niece, great-nieces and -nephews, and several great-great-nieces and -nephews.
She served as a family historian, constantly distributing old photos and sharing many stories.
Her family offers our deepest thanks to the dedicated memory care and hospice staff of St. John’s / RoseCrest in Mars, Pa., where Jeannette was a resident for the past two years.
In her honor, let us come together to celebrate a life that was as beautiful as it was impactful. A memorial service for Jeannette will be 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 1951 Mathews Road, Poland, OH 44514.
There are no other calling hours.
May she rest in eternal peace. Her legacy lives on in her many students and in the hearts of all who were privileged to know and love her.
Arrangements are being handled by the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland.
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