WILMINGTON — Our sweet “Mommaw,” Mary Lou Harrah Shearer died June 2, 2023 at the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center in Wilmington, North Carolina.
She lived a full life of 92 years and is now face to face with her Savior. While her childhood was spent in Nicholas County, West Virginia with her mother, Ethel Mae Keenan Harrah, 5 brothers, and close cousins, Mary Lou went on to be a nurse who was instrumental in establishing coronary care units at hospitals in the midwest. She cared for many patients over her 50 years as a nurse before retiring from Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC. Her retirement was spent with her husband, Robert Keith “Bob” Shearer, in Wilmington, NC where they moved in 1997. Upon his death in 2007, they had celebrated 50 years of marriage together. Mommaw was known for “feeding an army” with her good country cooking. She loved to serve people by hosting and feeding them even if they just stopped by for a quick visit. Along with Poppaw, the loves of her life were the 3 generations they left behind. She spent much time praying faithfully and specifically for each family member by name. Mommaw was a long time member of Grace Baptist Church in Wilmington and prior to that of Friendship Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC.
Mommaw cherished spending time with her children, grandchildren, and beloved great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, and husband Robert Keith “Bob” Shearer, and survived by her children Mikel Keith Shearer (Jamie), Kim Shearer Burch (Keith), Beth Shearer Hayden (Roger); her grandchildren Kerri Burch Lancaster (Gary), Kelli Burch Thornton (Jamie), Kate Hayden Snyder (Dan), Zachary Keith Burch, Tanner Mikel Hayden, Erin Hayden de Serres (Aaron), Robert Graham Holmes, and Christopher James Holmes; and great-grandchildren Logan, Levi, and Lauren Lancaster, Lucas Chargualaf, Liam Holshouser, Layla Thornton, and Carlie and Kenleigh Snyder.
The family will receive visitors from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Monday, June 12. A service to celebrate Mommaw’s life will follow at 11 a.m. at Andrews Mortuary at 1617 Market Street, Wilmington, NC.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Lower Cape Fear Hospice for the kindness and care they gave to Mommaw and the family in her last days.
In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to the St. Jude’s Hospital or Grace Baptist Church Mission Fund.
