Nevonia Grear

Nevonia Elrita (Estes) Grear, aka “Butch,” was born in Charleston, West Virginia, on Thursday, August 2, 1928, to the union of John and Louise Estes (Henderson). She received her formal education at Garnet High School (Class 1945) in Charleston and furthered her education at West Virgina State College (WVSC) for two years, 1946-47, until she became bed ridden with Rheumatic Fever, for over a year. While at WVSC, she met Mr. Carl C. Grear.

Nevonia accepted Christ, as her Savior, at an early age. She was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Charleston. She was united in holy matrimony with Carl C. Grear in 1948, in Charleston, West Virginia. The newlyweds later moved to Columbus, Ohio.

Nevonia united with Love Zion Baptist Church March 30, 1952. She was a dutiful and cheerful member of the Usher Ministry, serving consistently for over sixty-eight years. She looked forward to ushering and especially loved “WELCOMING” people to Love Zion with a warm, beautiful smile.

Nevonia was employed as a Materials Contract Specialist by the Defense Construction Supply Center (DCSC — now known as DSSC). She retired with thirty-five dedicated years of service. In her leisure, she enjoyed . . . “her leisure,” attending church, going to sporting events, dancing, socializing, and especially spending time with family and friends.

Blessed with ninety-five years of life, our beloved Nevonia peacefully went to sleep on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband of forty-five years, Carl C. Grear; father, John Estes; mother, Louise Estes; brother, James Estes; stepson, Tyrone E. Grear; brothers-in-law, William Grear, Alonzo Shavers I, and William Smith; sisters-in-law, Effie Grear, Dorothy Morgan, and Armetta Smith; nephews, Wilbur and William Rippey; dear friends, Marilyn (SST) Broadnax, Mary Cherry, Cecil Mitchell, and Marvin Perkins, Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her son, Lance E. Grear; sister, Erliene Shavers; brother, Johnny Estes; sisters-in-law, Joyce Estes and Jacqueline Estes; grandchildren, Yejide Hadassah-Noni Grear and Karle (Alisha) Grear; great grandchildren, Anaiah Grear, Kyle Grear, and Kendall Grear; nephews, Alonzo Shavers II, Ryland Estes, Cameron Estes, Jimmy (Charmaine) Estes, and Brian Estes; nieces, Catherine Estes and Tina Shavers; a host of great nieces and great nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews, and loving friends; including, Toni Mitchell, Doris Shields, Darlene Saxton, Sarah Haynes, and Hester Stone.