Genevieve Mears

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Genevieve Mears passed away peacefully at Oak Pointe assisted living center in Neosho, MO on November14th, 2024. She was 87.

Great Leaders Don’t Have to be in Front to Lead.

Genevieve was a brilliant gardener. She declared frequently that “digging in the dirt” was a stress release. Her gardens throughout life were extraordinary. Family, cooking, and holidays were a favorite. Her pull apart cinnamon rolls were legendary. To her grandchildren, there is no such thing as strawberry jam…its Mamaw Jelly. No one can replicate her recipes. They just never taste the same.

Happiness, value, making a difference, success. All are destinations we seek but find difficult to grasp. Even more difficult to hold. Genevieve thrived in these areas through her family and community. She quietly built foundations, planted seeds, nurtured, and motivated others to success. Genevieve understood that one does not have to be in the front to lead.

Connecting the Past to the Future.

Genevieve Mears was born May 26th, 1937 in Lead Hill, Arkansas. She was the only child of Roy and Stella Akins and was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Jack Mears. Genevieve is survived by her daughter Jackie Martin (Neosho, Missouri) her three sons Greg Mears (Carolina Beach, North Carolina), Derrick Mears (Fayetteville, Arkansas), and Brad Mears (Lees Summit, Missouri).

She attended school in Lead Hill, in a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from high school at 16 years of age in 1954. After graduation, Genevieve married Jack on July 2nd, 1955. While Jack attended college, Genevieve worked at International Shoes.

In 1957, Jackie was born. At that time, Genevieve and Jack moved several times following job opportunities until Jack completed his degree.

In 1961, Greg was born. The family moved to Newtonia, where Jack accepted a teaching/coaching position. Genevieve led the home front. In 1966, the family moved to their permanent home in Neosho, purchasing an 80-acre farm.

In 1966, Derrick was born. Brad was born in 1970. During these years, the farm grew to 313 acres. With Jack working full time at Moark, Genevieve led and coordinated the family, farm, and Jack.

One must be a strong and loving mother and wife to survive almost 40 years of kids at home (not to mention 20 years of living with at least one teenager…). When Brad, the youngest left for college, many asked Genevieve “after 40 years of kids, what’s next?” Genevieve, always thinking of her family didn’t hesitate. She said “parents”. Genevieve spent the next 20 years caring for her and Jack’s parents.

Genevieve’s full family tree includes:

· Daughter Jackie Martin and husband Wes, granddaughter Kori and husband Caleb, grandson Adam and wife Cherie.

· Son Greg Mears and wife Cindy, grandson Bryan and wife Sarah, granddaughter Mandy and husband Sam, grandson Michael and wife Nicole.

· Son Derrick Mears and wife Jodi, granddaughter Jade and husband Josh.

· Son Brad Mears and wife Kerri, grandsons Conner and Gavin, granddaughters Callie and Madison.

· Seven great grandchildren, Logan, River, Kason, August, Ari, Atticus, and Embry

· Honorable Mention: Mia, Genevieve’s dog and faithful companion

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oak Pointe of Neosho or Gentiva Hospice of Neosho.

There will be a graveside service for family and close friends at the Oakwood Cemetery in Neosho, Missouri at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, November 19th, 2024.