Mrs. Jean Smith Mears, 84, of Onancock, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at Heritage Hall Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Nassawadox. Born Aug. 27, 1935, in Eastville, Jean was raised in Locustville by her paternal grandmother, Minerva Charnock Buehler, and her husband, Harry.
Jean was the longtime office manager for Eastern Shore Printers and a gifted seamstress. For decades, she provided her time and talents to countless people, and was especially proud of the many years she prepared uniform alterations for the Virginia State Police. She was a member of Onley United Methodist Church and an avid baker, whose cakes were legendary among those lucky enough to have had a slice. Jean loved packing the grandkids up for camping trips at Cherrystone. She adored her family, and nothing brought her more joy than spoiling her grandchildren and spending time with loved ones.
Jean was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, William Denoon “Cigar” Mears; their son, William D. “Buddy” Mears II; grandson, Taylor Joseph Mears; sisters, Ruth Smith Mears and Shirley Smith; and her cousin, Nora Parker, who was like a sister.
She is survived by three children, Harry P. Mears and wife, Tina, of Cashville, Robert D. “Bobby” Mears and wife, Dottie, of Melfa, and Becky Mears and Rick Chase, of Parksley; daughter-in-law, Cindy D. Mears, of Onley; grandchildren, William D. “Billy” Mears III, Robert D. “Robbie” Mears II, Holly and Heather Matthews, Amanda Nelson, and Jake Nelson and wife, Megan; great-grandson, Jaxon Taylor Nelson; and several nieces and nephews.
The family extends their deepest appreciation to the staff at Heritage Hall and will be forever grateful for the care and compassion Jean received during her time there.
Funeral services will be conducted from the graveside at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery on Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Charles W. Parks III officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eastern Shore SPCA, P.O. Box 164, Onley, VA, 23418 (www.shorespca.org) or to Onley United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 98, Onley, VA 23418.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.
