Shirley St. John Dearing

Shirley St. John Dearing

Shirley S. Dearing, 91, died on July 18, 2022. She was the oldest and last surviving child of the four children born to John F. and Oshie V. St John. Shirley was married to J. Victor Dearing Sr. for 58 years, until his death in 2008. They were tragically predeceased by their first child, Cynthia Leigh, at the age of 7. Shirley later also terribly missed her sisters following their deaths - Joyce Garrett in 2004 and Norma Staples in 2020. They had been very close and, among a lifetime of wonderful memories, she was especially fond of those of their trips to the western states and visits to the Outer Banks.

Shirley is survived by two children, Stephanie and John and his girlfriend, Joanne Coffey. She also had one very special grandchild, Samantha Collins, her husband, Charles, and two great-grandchildren, Alayna and Charlie. They were truly the light of her life. Also surviving are six nieces and nephews and their families, all of whom were important to Shirley and she to them.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donations to Fairview United Methodist Church, 3041 Campbell Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24501 or to your local humane society. Shirley was a devoted member of the church for over 70 years. And she loved nature - especially her song birds that she faithfully fed and watched over and the many pets she cared for through the years.

A graveside service conducted by the Rev. Temera Tatem in Fort Hill Memorial Park will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at 11 a.m.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory, (434) 239-2405, is assisting the family. Memories and thoughts may be shared with the family at www.heritagefuneralandcremation.com.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory