Vera Mae Mears

Mrs. Vera Mae Edmonds Mears, 95, of Mt. Airy, transitioned to her heavenly home, Friday, May 20, 2022, at Central Continuing Care in Mt. Airy.  She was born in Surry County on September 23, 1926, to the late Walter Brady and Novella Hamlin Edmonds.  Mrs. Mears was in the graduating class of 1943, of Dobson High School, meeting each year for a reunion, still singing their fight song.  She was a faithful member of Albion Missionary Baptist Church, serving as a Sunday school teacher, Bible school teacher, choir member, Women’s Missions Member, and supporter of the Baptist Children’s Home in Thomasville.  Mrs. Mears retired from Quality Mills in addition to being a mother, homemaker and tobacco farmer.  She was not afraid of hard work and certainly did her share, but she made time to enjoy family and friends, cooking, baking, decorating, crocheting, quilting and travel.  She was a member of the NC Home Extension Club in Surry County, Slate Mountain ECA, and the Red Hat Club.  Mrs. Mears had the opportunity to travel with her husband, to many places, including England, California, Florida, Niagara Falls, and the Bahamas.  After his death, she still enjoyed traveling and continued to travel with her friend, Toby Payne, both shopping and sightseeing.  Mrs. Mears is survived by a daughter, JoAnn Mears Greene (Tom); son Jerry Ray Mears (Jo); eight grandchildren, Jennifer Greene McFarlan (Dan), Michael Greene (Melody Sink), Jamie McDonough (fiancé Tate Putnam), Jodi Tolbert (George), Jana Saur, Ashley Bryant (Jake), Josh Mears (Allison), Nikki Mears (Justin Mabe); fifteen great grandchildren, Anna Greene, Carson Hightower, Bryson McDonough, Aiden McDonough, Andi Tolbert, Ryan Tolbert, Jase Tolbert, Quentin Saur, Nora Saur, Syler Bryant, Kyson Bryant, Merritt Bryant, Ellie Mears, Emerson Mears, and Madelyn Mabe; sister Rachel Earnest, brother, Wayne Edmonds (Kathryn); several special nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.  In addition to her parents, Mrs. Mears was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Allen Mears; and a son, Johnny Allen Mears.  A funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mt. Airy at 11:00 AM, with the Rev. Ricky Easter and Chaplain Brian Chilton officiating.  Burial will follow in Skyline Memory Gardens.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.  The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff, administration, and caregivers at Forsyth Court, and Central Continuing Care, and Mountain Valley Hospice for the exceptional care given to Mrs. Mears.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to Albion Missionary Baptist Church, 131 Big Sky Trail, Mt. Airy, NC 27030.  Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.