Nijmeh W Shunnarah

Nijmeh W. Shunnarah — beloved mother, grandmother, godmother, aunt, cousin, sister and friend — passed away on January 12, 2026. Born May 25, 1935, in Ramallah, Palestine, Nijmeh carried the light of her homeland with her throughout a life defined by faith, family and generous love.

In 1954, after Israel took over Palestine, she emigrated by boat to the United States and settled in Birmingham, Alabama, where she built a life centered on family and faith. She often spoke with joy and love in her eyes about coming from the best place in the world. The Holy Land, where Jesus was born — describing the beauty of the mountains, the sea, and the olive and fig trees — and she took pride in her Palestinian roots. Her name, Nijmeh, means “star” in Arabic; to those who knew her she truly shone.

Nijmeh lived simply and fully. She lived for her family, always putting others first and teaching by example that God and love are the truest priorities. One moment with her was like a lifetime of love: she told people she loved them often, defended others kindly, never spoke ill of anyone, and welcomed all with a peaceful heart. She believed the Holy Land is for all religions and loved peace deeply.

She was famed for her cooking — intuitive, wholehearted, without recipes — and loved feeding everyone around her. Her food, like everything she did, was made from the heart and brought people together.

Nijmeh is survived by her children Rita Danfourah (Jamal) and Saba Shunnarah (Lisa); her grandchildren Joseph Danfourah, Nicholas Danfourah, Saba Shunnarah and Savannah Shunnarah; and her sister Georgette Shunnarah. She was preceded in death by her husband Wadi Z. Shunnarah; her father Saba Shunnarah; her mother Bahia Shunnarah; and her daughter Renee Shunnarah.

She touched the lives of many and will be tremendously missed. Her family takes comfort in her deep faith, the warmth of her memory, and the legacy of love she leaves behind. May her memory be eternal.

A visitation will be held on January 15, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St George Melkite Greek Catholic Church, located at 401 10th Ave So, Birmingham, Alabama, 35205.

The Funeral Mass will follow at the same location, starting at 11:00 am.

Burial will take place on January 15, 2026, at Elmwood Cemetery, located at 600 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Birmingham, Alabama, 35211.