Loretta Dean Shears

A daughter of the late Durard R. and Doris Woods Dean, she was born on Aug. 14, 1933 in Washington, DC. She had formerly made her home in Annandale, VA prior to moving to Harrisonburg. Mrs. Shears was a graduate of Eastern High School in Washington, DC and was a member of the Harrisonburg Baptist Church.

On Oct. 6, 1961 she married Marlin H. Shears who preceded her in death on Nov. 10, 2009.

She is survived by one son, Timothy D. Shears and his wife, Meredith, of Arlington, VA; one daughter, Amanda L. Shears-Droz of Harrisonburg; five grandchildren, Timothy Droz, Kelsey Droz, Emily Joseph, Nicholas Shears and Christopher Shears. She also leaves one brother, Harry E. Dean of Springfield, VA; one sister, Nancy D. Shamburg of White Plains, MD; and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one brother, Michael Dean and one half-brother, Howard Dean.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 9:00 pm, Tuesday, Jan. 31, at the Lindsey Harrisonburg Funeral Home.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012 at the Harrisonburg Baptist Church with the Rev. Stacy Nowell officiating, assisted by Dr. Jack Mercer officiating,

Private burial will be in Arbovale Cemetery in West Virginia, at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Harrisonburg Baptist Church, 501 South Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.