Shirley Venore (Ishman) Todd

SHIRLEY VENORE (ISHMAN) TODD, was born on April 27, 1942 in Kingston, West Virginia to the late Silas and Geraldine Ishman. Shirley received her wings from the Lord on April 18, 2025, Good Friday.

Shirley had a sweet personality and the best smile that would light up any room.  She loved the Lord, family, friends and her church family.  Shirley was an avid cook and was famous for her turkey and dressing, collard greens, fried chicken, sweet potatoes, caramel cake, just to name a few.  She would also give anyone a plate who was in need or who was just visiting the Todd household.  Cooking for family and friends gave Shirley great joy while spreading comfort and love to all.  Shirley was a coal-miner’s daughter and had the work ethic of the same.  She attended Roosevelt and Roth High School.  She retired from running the coffee shop at Elder-Beerman’s Courthouse Square for over 20 years and was named the “Shopping Queen” because instead of Shirley taking her daily lunch break, she would be shopping for the best deals.  Shirley loved big pretty hats, suits, and jewelry which you could see her sport on any given Sunday.

Shirley has been a faithful member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church for over 60 years. She served on the nurse aide’s and kitchen committees for several years.  She was also an active participant of the Senior Bible Study Class until she could no longer attend due to her health.  Besides cooking and shopping, Shirley loved to attend plays, concerts, shows, movies or any event to support and/or spend time with her family and friends.

Preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Ronald C. Todd Sr.; brothers, David, John, and Celtis Ishman; sisters-in-law, Jeanette Ishman and Sara Ann Middlebrook; nephew, David Ishman; nieces, Deon Ishman and Tracey Ishman; sister friend, Juanita Edwards.

Shirley leaves to carry on her loving spirit and legacy, her two devoted and loving children, Ronald C. Todd II (Janice) and Tonya L. Todd; granddaughter, Kendall Curtis; adored nieces, Sandra Hall and Tina Ishman; great nieces, Aierreion McKinney, Marianna Davison, and  Treazure Middlebrook; nephew, Todd Clyde Middlebrook (Ushie); sister-in-law, Donna Ishman; bonus sons, Wendell Banks, Josef Pollard, and Kendall Kirksey; other nieces and  nephews, Deangelia Pierce, Michelle Ishman, Annette Finley, Renetta Sawyer, John Ishman Jr., Jamey Ishman (Shatania), and Kelvin Finley; beloved friend, Rosalyn Dewitt; sister friends, Jackie Bailey and Susie Grieson.

She will be forever remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend leaving a legacy of family and friends who revere her sweet and gentle  spirit.

Homegoing service 11 am Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 27 N. Gettysburg Ave., Dayton, OH. Visitation 9 am- 11 am at which time family will receive friends. Rev. Dr. Bridgette Franklin, officiant; Bishop Candidate Ronald C. Todd II, Eulogist.  Interment 10 am Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Dayton National Cemetery.  Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home.

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