Shirley M. (Little) Parker

Shirley M. (Little) Parker of Niles passed away after a short illness on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 3:30 pm in her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was 95.

Shirley was born in Youngstown on November 2, 1928, the daughter of the late Warren E. and Emma (James) Little.

She was a 1946 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School and was employed by Trumbull Memorial Hospital where she was an outpatient registration clerk.

Shirley was a member of First Christian Church in Niles for 70 years. In her free time, she enjoyed sewing and crocheting. Every year her children would receive their homemade robes and flannel nightgowns. At the age of 72, she purchased a Lowrey Organ which she learned to play and would travel demonstrating her skills. She was known for having a green thumb and spent many hours tending to her garden or mowing her grass. She was a member of the Dames of Malta, Amaranth, and the Lydia Circle at the First Christian Church as well as Al-Anon. She was also a volunteer for the Red Cross working their blood drives and was a generous blood donor herself throughout the years and was a swimming instructor for many summers through the Red Cross swimming programs. Shirley possessed the important values of integrity, honesty, determination, persistence, and resourcefulness. An example of her determination was during the tornado of 1985 that went down her street and she refused to leave her home, so she stayed continuing to do her work with her dog by her side. She always gave back to the community and volunteered her time to the PTA, band boosters, and at church.

She lived her life the best she could, and God was with her all the way. Shirley was known for her unwavering faith, love for her family, and her great sense of style. She wanted her life to be a celebration of life.

She is survived by her children, Sandra Pope of Lake Milton, Ron “Ronnie” (Wendy) Parker of Brunswick, and Tracey (Tina) Parker of Lordstown; grandchildren, Jason (Yvonne) Parker, Joshua (Angie) Parker, and Taylor Parker; great grandchildren, Noah and Isaac Parker; and her faithful cat, Noni. She loved all animals, and always had at least one dog or cat enjoying life as part of her family.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by a sister, Lois J. Ruffner; her previous husband and the father of her children, Ralph W. Parker, who she was still friendly with; and special sister-in-law and friend, Marjorie Witherstine.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to the Niles First Christian Church 33 N Arlington Ave, Niles, OH 44446 or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. in the Wm Nicholas Funeral Home 614 Warren Ave. Niles, OH 44446. In honor of Shirley, everyone is asked to dress in bright and cheerful colors.

A memorial service will follow at 12:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

“Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep, I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain, When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush. Of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the soft stars that shine at night, Do not stand at my grave and cry, For I am not there, I did not die.”

Friends and family may view the obituary and send condolences by visiting www.NicholasFuneralHome.com