Shirley M. Lawrence age 81 left her suffering and entered heaven's gates and met her Savior Shepherd on Sunday night Dec. 28, 2025. She passed away at her home in Newton Falls under the care of Harmony Hospice and her loving husband at her bedside. She had been lovingly cared for by her husband , her two children: Cheryl & Daryl and her brother in law and sister in law: Paul & Jean Lawrence. Shirley was born on Oct. 26, 1944 in Danville, PA the daughter of the late Charles Irvin Gessner and Carrie Ada (Strawser) Gessner. She was a graduate from People's Bible College in Colorado Springs, CO in 1966. For many years she taught in various Christian Day schools. She was loved by her students and many have remained in contact with her over the years. She married the love of her life, Timothy King Lawrence "Timmy Dear" on Sept. 2, 1977, and her passing breaks a marital union of 48 years. They lived in Newton Falls, and it was here they raised their two children, Cheryl & Daryl. Shirley was a homemaker, but later in life she did house cleaning and also a caregiver for many years to a dear friend. Her children have fond memories of yearly summer vacations to see many historical places across the United States. She attended Salem Bible Methodist Church, and was devoted to her Lord & Savior and was faithful in her church attendance. Shirley was a loving wife & mother. She found great joy in gardening. tending to her flowers, canning, cooking, and baking. She always had a hot meal ready every night for her family. Shirley hosted many people in her home and a Sunday dinner would most likely include the most tender beef roast, mashed potatoes (mashed by her husband), her own creamed corn, her canned green beans with bacon, soft fluffy homemade rolls, cinnamon pickle rings and numerous desserts that may include Fudge Sundae Pie, Peanut Butter Pie and Red Raspberry Custard Pie. Shirley knew no stranger. You could never go to town without her saying "hello" to a friend. She enjoyed having yearly garage sales at her home. For many years, she would have a " Fall Basket Sale & Bake Sale". Many of her local friends would come to her home to buy themed baskets filled with many of her canned and baked goods. Her bake sale would include various pies, cookies, cinnamon rolls with Carmel icing, and friendship bread. Shirley is preceded in death by parents, her brothers: Charles, Floyd, John, Harlin, Fairvin, Robert, and her sister Catherine.

She leaves behind her husband: Timothy Lawrence of Paris Twp, her daughter & son in law: Cheryl & Shannon Keister of Middleburg, PA, her son & daughter in law: Daryl & Maria Lawrence, and her 4 grandchildren: Meadow, David, Bethany, & Mark all of New Bethlehem, PA. She is also survived by her two sisters: Marie Lenker of Millersburg, PA, Leah Gessner of Herndon, PA, brother & sister in law: Marlin & Ruth Gessner of New Philadelphia, OH, Shirley will be greatly missed by her husband, children and their families, her many family members and a host of friends. She leaves behind a legacy of trusting God, thanking him for all the good healthy years she had after her initial diagnosis of cancer. Shirley always believed He had a reason for everything and never questioned His plan.

Funeral services will be at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls on Monday Jan. 5, 2026 at 10:30am with Rev. David Crosley & Rev. Duane Quesenberry officiating. Calling hours will be at the funeral home on Sunday Jan 4, 2026 from 1:00- 4:00pm. She will be laid to rest at Hawley Cemetery in Paris Twp. The family has requested that all donations please be made to Harmony Hospice 7010 South Ave. Suite 4 Boardman, OH 44512 in her memory.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330)872-5440. Family and friends may view her obituary online or to send condolences, please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com