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=NEWTON FALLS -- Shirley M. Lawrence, 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 and Daryl; and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Paul and Jean Lawrence.
Shirley was born Oct. 26, 1944, in Danville, Pa., the daughter of the late Charles Irvin Gessner and Carrie Ada Strawser Gessner. She was a graduate of People's Bible College in Colorado Springs, Colorado, 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 "Timmy Dear" Lawrence, on Sept. 2, 1977; and her passing breaks a marital union of 48 years. They lived in Newton Falls, where they raised their two children, Cheryl and Daryl. Shirley was a homemaker, but later in life she did house cleaning and was 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 and Savior; she was faithful in her church attendance.
Shirley was a loving wife and 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 might have included 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 and 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 caramel icing, and friendship bread.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Charles, Floyd, John, Harlin, Fairvin and Robert; and her sister, Catherine.
She leaves behind her husband, Timothy Lawrence of Paris Township; her daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Shannon Keister of Middleburg, Pa.; her son and daughter-in-law, Daryl and Maria Lawrence; and her four grandchildren, Meadow, David, Bethany and Mark, all of New Bethlehem, Pa. She is also survived by her two sisters, Marie Lenker of Millersburg, Pa., Leah Gessner of Herndon, Pa.; and brother and sister-in-law, Marlin and Ruth Gessner of New Philadelphia. 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 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at James Funeral Home in Newton Falls, with the Rev. David Crosley and the Rev. Duane Quesenberry officiating.
Calling hours will be 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at the funeral home.
She will be laid to rest in Hawley Cemetery in Paris Township.
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 E. Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444, 330-872-5440. Family and friends may view her obituary online or send condolences at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.
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