Elaine Shewmake

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

On July 10, 2018, Sandra "Elaine" Shewmake was escorted by the Holy Angels to her Eternal Home after three courageous battles against cancer. 

She was born on August 15, 1956 in Joplin, Missouri to Charles Edward Jones and Beverly Elaine (Wyrick) Jones. Elaine was a Physical Education Teacher and a Coach for 30+ years. She coached volleyball, basketball, and track throughout her first eight years in McDonald County, and then spent 22 years coaching some volleyball, but mainly basketball at Webb City. 

Elaine attended First Christian Church, Joplin, Missouri. She was a past board chair, past youth leader, and served as an Elder and leader of the "Women's Walk" group. She was also the coordinator of FCC's service day to "Crosslines Ministries - Joplin". She had also assisted with "Mom's Connection" at Christ Church of Oronogo. Elaine was a member of the ADK teachers' sorority. Elaine always supported the area "Relay for Life" efforts. She was an avid St Louis Cardinals fan. She enjoyed bowling and cherished the many workouts with her close friends at Fitness Evolution. Elaine loved greatly. She loved family, her boys, and being Grammy to her grandkids. She counted it a privilege every day to be a member of a mighty Army of Teachers/Educators. Elaine held a special bond with the Health/PE staff and loved all the vast number of her "Brothers and Sisters of Sport". They are the Coaching and Referee friends she worked alongside during her career. Of course, those friends loved her back in her times of need, through "Missouri Sports Charities", and many other expressions of the heart. She loved all her students, and deeply loved all of the Athletes she coached. That love sometimes came by way of what she called "Tough Love". She often said it could serve them later in life. Elaine always delighted in watching any "Mustang" run free, or any "Redbird" soar. 

Elaine married Jerry “Buck” Shewmake on June 23, 1978 in Joplin and he survives her. She is also survived by her mother, Beverly Jones of Webb City, Missouri; sons, Stone Shewmake of Batesville, Arkansas, Cole Shewmake and wife Jennifer of Oronogo, Missouri; granddaughters, Selah Shewmake and Noa Shewmake both of Oronogo, Missouri; a grandson, Creed Shewmake of Oronogo, Missouri; a sister, Diane Ray and husband Steve of Stark City, Missouri; brother, Randy Jones and wife Toni of Joplin, Missouri; nieces, Stephanie Ray of Carthage, Missouri, Katie Ray of Webb City, Missouri, Emily Jones of Rogers, Arkansas, Callie Oathout of Webb City, Missouri; and a nephew, Corbin Jones of Bridgewater, New Jersey. 

 The family will be present for a visitation on Sunday, July 15, 2018 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the First Christian Church, located on 4th Street and Pearl in Joplin. A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 16, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the church with Pastor David Johnson officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to the Elaine Shewmake Memorial Scholarship Fund in her memory. 

 Cremation services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. Visit www.simpsonfh.com for online condolences.