Betty Lou Shearer

Betty Lou Shearer, 80, of Kingsport, passed away Monday, December 5, 2011 at the Asbury Place following a short illness. She was a graduate of Winthrop University. After graduating she came to Kingsport to work for Tennessee Eastman, where she met her husband, Dr. Newton H. Shearer, Jr. in 1953. They were married in 1955 and were fortunate to live in Switzerland for 2 years and enjoyed traveling extensively throughout Europe.

She was a member of the Junior League of Kingsport, Kingsport Junior Book Club, Ridgefields Garden Club, Little House and Garden Club, and was a Girl Scout Troup Leader. Betty Lou had many passions - people, books, poetry, bridge, gardening, traveling and many dear friends.

Betty Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Leola Johnson.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Dr. Newton H. Shearer, Jr.; daughter, Layne Shearer Willen and husband, Bronson of Kingsport; son, Newton H. "Trey" Shearer III of Seattle, Washington; grandchildren, Gene W. Lady III and wife, Kellie Weston Lady, Dylan H. Jantz, Michelle Shearer- Matthews and husband, Devon, Newton H. "Chipp" Shearer IV, David Matthew Shearer, John-Luke Shearer; cousin, Juanita Brown and husband, Jim of Lawrenceville, Georgia.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks to the staff of Asbury Place, Kingsport and Wellmont Hospice.

Memorial services will be on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at First Broad Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Jack Weikel and Rev. Mickey Rainwater officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

A private inurnment will be held at First Broad Street United Methodist Church Columbarium.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 E. Church Circle, P.O. Box 1346, Kingsport, 37662, or the Kingsport Public Library, 400 Broad Street, Kingsport, TN 37660.