Jennie Rose Palmieri Johns, 94, of Massillon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, 2024.  Born in Akron, Ohio to Italian immigrants, Jennie was a bright light on every life she touched.  Her legacy of kindness, humor, and unwavering passion for learning will be forever cherished by all who knew her.

Jennie grew up in Akron, attending South High School, where she met and fell in love with her high school sweetheart, William "Bill" Johns.  Together, they shared a beautiful life full of love, laughter, and family.

A natural talent in the arts, Jennie earned a scholarship to the Akron Art Institute, but chose to forgo it to raise her family.  Although she paused her formal studies, her passions for art never waned as she would paint Christmas murals on her home's front window and painted well into her 80's.

Jennie returned to college in her 30s, earning a degree in teaching from Kent State University, where she graduated top of her class and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She taught fifth grade at Lake Local Schools from 1971 to 1995 with a focus on math and science, introducing one of the first computer classes in her district—a program she passionately fought to establish.

Jennie had a lifelong love for learning, evident in her fascination with astronomy, her mastery of technology as an early adopter, and her determination to learn Italian in her sixties so she could connect with relatives in Italy.  Her visits to her parents' homeland were among her most cherished adventures.

She was a vibrant and active member of St. Philip and James Parish, contributing her time to various social and outreach committees.  Jennie's zest for life extended to her love of art, tennis and Notre Dame football.

Jennie's family meant everything to her.  She is survived by her children and their spouses: Dianna (Scott) Smeal, Robert (Patricia) Johns, Richard (Marylin) Johns, and Russell (Pat) Johns; grandchildren: Kate Ross, Stephanie Mikulski, Susan Johns, Elizabeth Koehler, Sara Pierce, Rachael Miller, and Michael Johns; step-grandchildren: Adam Smeal and Caroline Smeal; and five great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her beloved husband Bill, sister Mary McCauley, and brothers Joseph and Eugene Palmieri.

Jennie's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 3-7pm at Elm Ridge Event Center (469 Elm Ridge Ave, Canal Fulton, OH 44614).  Per her wishes, it will be a joyful occasion where attendees are encouraged to wear red and share their funniest stories about her. A Funeral Liturgy will be held at a Saints Philip and James Catholic Church, 412 High St NE in Canal Fulton on Saturday Jan. 18 at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either Crossroads Hospice in Uniontown ( https://www.crhcf.org/donate ), Catholic Charities ( https://www.ccdoy.org ) or Alzheimer's Association.

Jennie leaves a legacy of positivity, humor and curiosity that will live on in those fortunate enough to have known her.  Her laughter, warmth, and kindness will not be forgotten.

Crossroads Hospice
3743 Boettler Oaks Drive Suite E, Green OH 44685

Alzheimer's Association-Greater East Ohio Chapter
408 9th St SW Suite 3400, Canton OH 44707
Web: http://act.alz.org/donate

Catholic Charities
144 West Wood Street, Youngstown OH 44503
Web: https://www.ccdoy.org/give/