Betty Mae (Jones) Shear

Betty Mae (Jones) Shear, age 97, of Jefferson Ohio died peacefully in her sleep on April 29, 2025.

She was born in the home of her grandparents Orville and Charlotte (Sampson) Jones on a farm in Jefferson. She was an only child of Ray and Angie (Kerger) Jones and grew up their farm, also in Jefferson. After working for the Ration Board and Agriculture Bureau following high school, she decided to expand her horizons and attended Rio Grande College. There she met her husband Philp Shear and after marrying, went with him during his seminary training. They started in California, moving to several different states as Phil pursued his ministry. She had her two children while in Kansas City, Kansas. Betty Mae’s many moves were always met with enthusiasm and optimism and the ability to make friends wherever she lived. Her secretarial skills enabled her to work in both paid and volunteer positions. Many people were recipients of both her typed and beautifully hand-written correspondence. Her Christian faith was strong, quiet, and inclusive. She always had concern for the poor and marginalized of society. She loved to walk, to read, to sing, and to marvel in God’s creation. She and Phil retired to Jefferson. She immediately got energetically involved in many church and civic affairs. She was a member of First Congregational UCC , Jefferson. She spent many happy hours volunteering with the Jefferson Depot (a restoration project), happily wearing historical garb and sharing her historical knowledge with one and all. She was also involved with the local Lion’s Club and the Jefferson High School Alumni Association. Although life was not always without ups and downs, she never waivered in her love of life.

She is preceded by her husband, the Rev. Philip T. Shear. She is survived by daughter Laura Shear (David McDonald), of Cornwall NY , her son, Thomas Shear of Jefferson Ohio, only granddaughter Clair McDonald-Shear of Stony Point, NY, and foster daughter Robin Mutter Williams of Ashtabula. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 5th from 4:00-6:00 at Fleming-Billman, 49 W. Jefferson St. Visitation on Tuesday, May 6th 11:00-12:00 with funeral service to follow at First Congregational Church, 41 E. Jefferson St.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Congregational UCC (41 E. Jefferson St, Jefferson OH 44047) or the Jefferson Depot (PO Box 22, Jefferson OH 44047).

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