Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 1/12/2002

Velma B. Shearer

May 8, 1919 - Jan. 10, 2002

Velma B. Shearer, 82, residing on Honan Drive, South Bend, entered into eternal life with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 10, 2002. She was born May 8, 1919, in Etna Green, Indiana, as the daughter of Forrest Leroy and Martha Rozell (Gerard) Murphy, and has been a lifelong resident of this area. On January 22, 1938, in South Bend as Velma Murphy, she married Frederick Henry Shearer. Together they enjoyed 62 years of marriage until his passing on July 17, 2000. Velma was a loving mother and grandmother. She is survived by her two daughters, Sharolyn Shearer of Portland, Oregon, and Julie Ann Olin and her husband, Gary of Cedarville, OH; a son, Frederick "Rick" and his wife, Carol Shearer of Mishawaka. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Kathryn Shearer-Holtgren and her husband, Shawn of South Bend, Nathan Olin of Cedarville, Ohio, Brian Shearer of Mishawaka, and Erika Olin-Weise and her husband, Carl of Columbus, OH; and two sisters, Betty Reading of Granville, MI and Marlene Cox of Rancho Mirage, CA.

Mrs. Shearer was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church where she served on many committee's, was a member of the United Methodist Women and the Timely Topics Circle. She was also a member of the South Bend School Men's Wives, and Morris Park Country Club.

Services for Mrs. Shearer will be at 11 a.m. Monday, January 14, 2002 in Grace United Methodist Church. Rev. Hosea Drake, pastor will officiate. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery, Woodland. The family will receive friends from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday in the Palmer Funeral Home, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, and one hour prior to services on Monday in the church.

Memorial contributions in memory of Velma B. Shearer may be offered to Grace United Methodist Church, South Bend, Bethel College, Mishawaka, or Memorial Hospital of South Bend.