Obituary of Barbara Shealy

Barbara Conklin Shealy of Lexington died Saturday, January 19, 2013. Mrs. Shealy was born in Santa Cruz, California October 18, 1921 to the late F. Verne and Sarah G. Conklin. She left college to work in the World War II effort and met her future husband, the late Von H. Shealy, stationed at the Oakland Naval Shipyard. At war's end, they moved to SC and in 1952 built their home in the Oak Grove Community, living there for over 50 years. In addition to caring for her six children and a niece and nephew, she was very active in community and church activities. As a member of St. David's Lutheran Church she taught Sunday School, Confirmation classes, sang in the choir and was a member of WELCA and Young at Heart. She was the first Girl Scout leader for the church. One of her favorite services was to work on the Social Ministry committee especially helping with refugee relocation. Members of the Diep family became her family. In later years she sewed bibs for all the residents. She was involved with The American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, March of Dimes and the American Red Cross Blood Drives. Mrs. Shealy volunteered at a local soup kitchen, delivered Meals on Wheels and worked at Lexington Interfaith (LICS) Thrift shop. She was instrumental in naming streets and roads in Oak Grove to become Zip code compliant. Mrs. Shealy was named SC Rural Electric Woman of the Year by SC Women involved in Rural Electrification "WIRE". Surviving are her children, Richard (Genie) of Lexington, Yvonne (Eugene) Fernsler of Florida, Michael (Donna) of Gilbert and Clifford (Ginger) of Gilbert, Thomas (Gloria) and Sarah (Gene) Evans of Lexington; nephew, Dan (Katy) Hurt of Gilbert ; niece, Lonna (Tetie) Paul of Lexington; 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents she was predeceased by her sisters, Betty and Verna; and brother, Harold. Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 4:00pm at St. David's Lutheran Church, 132 St. David's Church Road West Columbia, SC 29170. The family will receive friends Monday, January 21, 2013 from 6-8pm at Thompson Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel 4720 Augusta Road Lexington SC 29073. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. David's Lutheran Church Columbarium Fund, 132 St. David's Church Road West Columbia, SC 29170. Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington is assisting the family.