Mary Alice Melton Shearin

ROCKY MOUNT – Mary Alice Melton Shearin, age 89, passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.  Born in Nash County, NC on February 19, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Leon Melton and Pattie Vick.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Willis Albert Shearin, Jr.; and her sister, Norma Calhoun.

Mary Alice was a devoted and godly woman whose life was marked by quiet strength, grace, and a heart for others.  A trained lab technician, she began her career at the former Parkview Hospital in Rocky Mount and later served in various private medical practices, earning the respect of colleagues and patients alike.  She generously volunteered her time and expertise at many Red Cross events, always eager to serve her community.  In the fall of 2003, following the passing of her beloved husband, Albert, Mary Alice returned to her roots—her family’s farmland in the Dortches community of Rocky Mount. There, she lovingly rebuilt on her father’s land, creating a home that brought her great joy.  Fiercely independent and full of dignity, she cared for her sister, Peggy, with deep devotion and remained the stabilizing presence in her family.  She was known for her beautifully kept yard, never without fresh pine straw, and her love of gardening and the outdoors.  Mary Alice welcomed anyone in need with open arms, often inviting complete strangers into her home.  She lived her life in service to others, with unwavering faith and steadfast love.

Mary Alice is survived by her sons, Kenneth Shearin and wife, Catherine, of Gloucester, VA, Stephen A. Shearin, Sr. and wife, Cynthia, of Gloucester, VA, and Willis F. Shearin and wife, Laura, of Aydlett, NC; her grandchildren, Kellen Shearin, Stephen Shearin, Jr., Jennifer Roahrig, Adam Shearin, Michael Shearin, Michelle Shepeluk, Jessie Goetz, Susan Shearin, Matthew Shearin, TJ Jones, Joshua Shearin, Christopher Shearin, and Nathan Shearin; 16 great-grandchildren; one great great-grandson; her sister, Peggy Doris Melton of Rocky Mount; and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Mary Alice’s life will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Dr. Robin Fisher and Pastor Steve Roberson officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends and relatives on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to the staff at Navion of Rocky Mount for their dedicated service in caring for Mary Alice.  Also, a special thank you to her church family at Sunset Avenue Baptist Church, especially, Donnie and Linda Perry, and Bill and Sherri Davis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mary Alice’s memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY  10306 or Sunset Avenue Baptist Church, 3732 Sunset Ave., Rocky Mount, NC  27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.