Delores June Shearsmith

Delores Farmer Shearsmith, beloved mother, (aka to us kids as "Your Mother") grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, warmth, and unwavering love.  Her Christian values and faith in the Lord walked her through many happy times as well as the difficult journeys, and she always trusted in God.

Delores was born on July 14, 1936, in Fork Ridge, Tennessee. She was a daughter of the late, Mildred Juanita Byrge Farmer and Lee Roy Farmer. From her earliest days as the eldest of eight children in a coal miner's family, Delores's gentle spirit and generous heart shaped every aspect of her life. She devoted herself to nurturing her family, building deep friendships, and offering comfort and support to anyone in need weaving a tapestry of love that embraced all who knew her.

A gifted storyteller, Delores had a special talent for embellishing tales with a touch of whimsy, often gathering loved ones close to share laughter, wisdom, and unforgettable moments. She especially loved getting Jeff riled up during Bible conversations, where the two delighted in trying to outwit one another with their knowledge of God.

Delores's devotion to family and friends was matched only by her passion for music. Her admiration for country legends like Conway Twitty and Mel Street filled her home with song, while her fondness for Mark Harmon and Jack Lord sparked many lively conversations. One unforgettable moment came when Kenny Rogers serenaded her on her 40th birthday, a joyful memory the family didn't learn about until her 80th birthday, when Ernie Haase and the Signature Sound sang to her from their tour bus on the way to their next gig. Delores was overjoyed, sharing that the last time someone had sung to her was on her 40th birthday. Music, for Delores, wasn't just about the artists, it was about the joy of sharing those moments with the people she loved.

Her lifelong friendships, including her enduring bond with Conway Twitty, reflected her loyalty and warmth. She was also a treasured companion to her African Grey bird, Jose, affectionately known as "Hoser" whose mimicry brought smiles to everyone as he called out, "I love you, Mamaw," a phrase he still repeats to this day.

Delores's dedication to her community was evident through her leadership as President of Carolina Country, a local television show where she brought regional stories to life and connected neighbors through shared experiences. Her heart for service continued with the American Red Cross, where she volunteered and later worked full-time for twenty years, offering steadfast support to those in need and demonstrating her unwavering compassion.

Proud to be a military spouse, Delores embraced every adventure, traveling to many wonderful places and creating lasting memories with her loved ones. She earned an associate degree in early childhood education from Spartanburg Technical College, embodying her belief in lifelong learning and personal growth.

Her love for people shone through every interaction, and her warm, welcoming personality attracted friends from all walks of life, including many of the country music stars she admired, both from afar and up close.

Delores's enthusiasm for genealogy sparked countless conversations with her Uncle Neal, Rick Farmer, and many others, connecting generations as family and friends gathered to share stories, laughter, and memories.

Her sister Brenda lovingly remembers, "Doat was more than just my sister she was my best friend. She loved life, she loved people, and people loved her."

Delores Farmer Shearsmith is survived by her devoted family and countless friends, all of whom carry her memory in their hearts. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in the love she shared, the lives she touched, and the stories she leaves behind. Above all, she absolutely loved being a Mamaw.

Left to cherish Delores's memory are, her children, Linda Shearsmith, Charlie Shearsmith (Teresa), John Shearsmith, and Lori Shearsmith Peters; sisters, Brenda Brandenburg and Anita Hope Farmer;  grandchildren, Jonathon Shearsmith, Amber Shearsmith, Ashley Shearsmith, Jason Peters (Kate), Kira Herbig (Michael), Sara Shearsmith, Tyler Shearsmith, and Alana Shearsmith Hutchinson; great-grandchildren, Samuel, Mathew, Denham, Dottie, Ruthie, Cayden, and Ana; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, friends, and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Jeff Shearsmith; and a daughter, Karen Ann Shearsmith.

A graveside service will be held, Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 2:00PM at Fort Prince Memorial Gardens, Wellford, South Carolina.

A live stream via Eggers Funeral Home Facebook page will be available at the time of the service for those not able to be in attendance.