Linda "Joni" J. Sherman

Linda Joan (Allen) Sherman, "Joni"

Joni Sherman died peacefully on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from a heart-related illness. She had just celebrated her 78th birthday with family and friends, weeks earlier.

Joni was born on September 3, 1946, the second daughter to Ralph Allen and Audrey Louise (Terry) Allen. She grew up on their farm in Kings Mills with older sister and best friend, Judith "Judy" (Allen) Halfhill and younger brother, John Ralph Allen. While her parents named her Linda Joan, she chose to go by her middle name to match the "J-names" of her siblings. She graduated from Kings Mills High School in 1964 and went on to attend college at Eastern Kentucky University. But the young "country girl" was soon swept off her feet by "city boy", Thomas Edward Sherman, and they married in June of 1966.

Joni and Tom settled in Mariemont, Ohio, where they raised their only child, son, Christopher Thomas Sherman. Joni worked at Witt Company for many years and the family ultimately moved to Fairfax, OH, where they purchased their first home, the same one Joni resided in for the rest of her life. She truly loved her home. Tom preceded her in death in 1989.

Joni was so proud of her son, Chris, and was supportive of his career in music. In 1999, she embraced his wife, Angie, as a daughter. And in 2005, Joni was thrilled to finally become a grandmother. She'd always wanted a granddaughter and quickly developed a close bond with her first granddaughter, Isadora ('Issey"). And her blessings multiplied 7 years later, as she welcomed her second granddaughter, Stella.

Joni is survived by son, Christopher (Angie) Sherman, granddaughters Isadora "Issey" Virginia Sherman and Stella Judith Sherman, brother John (Darlene) Allen, niece Lisa (Keith) Jones, nephews Andy Allen, Brandon Allen and Jason Allen, great-nephew Derek (Leslie) Jones, great-niece Jennifer (Ron) Greenhill, and great-great nieces Hannah and Morgan, great-great nephews Cameron, Carson and Cuyler and great-great-great nephew, Knox.

In addition to her husband, Tom, she was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Judy Halfhill, her brother-in-law Danny Halfhill, and her niece Lori Halfhill.

"For those who wish to attend, the family invites you to wear pink to celebrate Joni."

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 beginning at 10:30AM in the Evans Funeral Home, Milford, with a celebration of Joni's life beginning at 11:30AM. Joni will be laid to rest at Gate of Heaven cemetery.