Carol Frances Shearrer

Carol grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, in a loving family with her parents (Oliver and Frances Clerc) and three older siblings (Norma Jean, Harold, and Shirley). She attended Southwest High School in St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated in January 1956. She earned the nickname “Jelly Beans” from her friends because of her love for jelly beans. Carol participated in the Girls’ Bowling Club, Basketball Club, Softball Club, Volleyball Club, Girls’ Athletic Association, Allied Youth, and the Officials Club while in high school and was voted “Most Athletic” in her senior year. She shared a love of baseball with her father, brother and several other family members, and was a devoted fan of her hometown team, the St. Louis Cardinals. After moving to Texas to live with her daughter, Sue, and son-in-love, Rob, Carol developed an interest in football and enjoyed watching the Cowboys play.

Carol married her high school sweetheart, Bill Shearrer, on March 17, 1956. Bill and Carol were married for 60 years when Bill went to his Heavenly home. They enjoyed listening to gospel music and watching Gaither Vocal Band videos together. It was not unusual to find them holding hands and sitting together on the couch, keeping each other close and warm.

Carol started working in the Registrar’s Office at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1965. She retired from Washington University in 2000 as the Registrar for the John M. Olin School of Business. After retirement, Bill and Carol enjoyed spending time in their RV at Lake Williamson Christian Center (LWCC) in Carlinville, Illinois. They enjoyed riding around in their golf cart and volunteering for the various camp events held at Lake Williamson. After spending several years at LWCC, Bill and Carol moved to Florida and made many friends in the retirement park where they lived and at the church they attended.

Carol loved Jesus and showed others His love in the way she loved them. Her family was the heart of her life. She cared for her husband through the best of times and through difficult health challenges. She loved nothing more than spending time talking, hugging, laughing and playing games with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed the playful teasing (and creative nicknames) she often received from those who love her. She was famous in the family for her winking and her whistling talents. Game nights of Chinese Checkers with “Meme” (as she was called by her grandchildren) created precious memories filled with laughter and fun. She talked and/or texted with her children every day and loved hearing about what the family was doing.

Carol was devoted and generous in her giving to the church, missions, and her family in whatever capacity was needed. She also cared about others and treasured her friendships, including an 84-year friendship from her childhood. She always took time to ask how others were doing and to share encouraging words.

While we rejoice in her Heavenly homecoming, her presence in our lives will be greatly missed. She leaves two daughters and their spouses Susan McDonald (Rev. Robert) and Kathleen Henderson (Caleb); six grandchildren Melissa Ferrer (Mitchel), Meagan Warrick (Brian), Lauren Davis (Joshua), Audrey Mercuri (Joshua), Aaron Henderson, David Henderson; eleven great-grandchildren Abigail Ferrer, Isaiah Ferrer, Isaac Ferrer, Jacob Sprang, Ezekiel Sprang, Achaius Davis, Jude Mercuri, Andrew Warrick, Austin Warrick, Addy Warrick, Ayden Warrick.

We are planning a graveside celebration at a later date. She and Bill will be laid to rest in the family cemetery in Lodi, Missouri. In lieu of flowers we are requesting that donations be made to Noah’s Farm (NoahsFARM.org). Noah’s Farm is a nonprofit set up to assist persons in Zimbabwe with Feeding the Hungry (providing water wells), Advocating for education, Reaching the lost and Mentoring livelihoods and Medical assistance.