Iola Alice Kershaw; 81; of Monongahela; went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday morning; August 9; 2008 in Monongahela Valley Hospital. Born in Santuck; S.C.; on June 24; 1927; she was the daughter of the late Robert H. Thomas and Iola A. Cheek. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by one son; Timothy Albert Kershaw; in February 2000; one daughter; Laura A. Kershaw; in December 2007; nine brothers and one sister. Iola graduated and taught school in both South and North Carolina and was previously employed by JCPenney as a clerk and at Zajack in Monessen as a health program assistant. She was a dedicated member of St. Paul Baptist Church since 1951; serving on the Usher Board; singing in various choirs; serving as chairperson of various committees and serving as a deaconess until she was lead by the Lord in a dream to move her membership to the Church of Jesus Christ to further her service to him in 1970. It was there she served as a deaconess and was in charge of preparation of the Lord’s Supper. In addition to her husband; Albert Kershaw; she leaves to cherish her memory three daughters; Rasheedah Marie Bilal; of Monongahela; Linda Jean (Lawrence) Phillips; of Inglewood; Calif.; and A. Loretta Carter; of Pittsburgh; two brothers; Jimmie (Peggy) Thomas; of Los Angeles; Calif.; and Rufus Rick Thomas; of Monongahela; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law; Johnnie Kershaw and Lula Thomas; both of Detroit; Mich.; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; cousins and friends. Iola was loved and well known throughout the community; spreading love and joy to all and making a difference in hundreds of lives. All will deeply miss her. At the time of her death; her caregiver was her granddaughter; Lisa Marie Perry. Family and friends will be received in St. Paul Baptist Church; 49 South McKean Ave.; Donora; on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Her final homegoing service will be held Saturday; Aug. 16; with viewing from 10 to 11 a.m.; the hour of service in the Church of Jesus Christ; 508 Reed St.; Clairton; where Elder English Webb and Elder David Nolfi will be officiating. Elder Joe Austin is the presiding Elder of the church. Interment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the BEVERLY C. DRAPER FUNERAL HOME INC.; 608 Sixth St; Monessen (724-684-6242).