Carolyn Shearer Wells
Dr. Carolyn Shearer Wells, age 81, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2023 in Richmond, Kentucky. She was born on February 9, 1942 to Homer Luke "Pete" Shearer and Violet Mae Maggard Emory Shearer in Lancaster, Garrard County, Kentucky. She is survived by her son John (Janet) Wells, Jr., and granddaughter Jenna Wells, Also surviving are her siblings Brenda Vincent, Paul (Jeannette) Shearer, Sadie (Larry) Causey, and David (Debbie) Shearer, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her former husband, John Wells, Sr. and special friends Karen Waters and Colin Powell. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Charles (Barbara) Shearer; a sister, Betty Jean Shearer; and a brother-in-law Bob Vincent. A special thank you to the wonderful staff at Telford Terrace Nursing Home for their loving care for the past two years.
Dr. Wells received her A.A. degree from St. Petersburg Junior College, B.A. degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida, two M.A. degrees from USF as a Reading Specialist and as a Learning Disabilities Specialist, and her Rank I in Educational Administration from Eastern Kentucky University. She had certificates for School Psychometry, Elementary Principal, Superintendent, and Special Education Director. She completed her Doctorate in Administration and Supervision at the University of Kentucky. She was a lifelong learner and educator, having taught grades 1-5, being a Reading Specialist, and serving as chair of the Learning Disabilities Department in the Pasco County, Florida, School District. Upon returning to her hometown of Lancaster, she was a Learning Disabilities Specialist, School Psychometrist, and Director of Special Programs in the Garrard County Public Schools.
Dr. Wells was also an adjunct instructor of graduate level courses at Eastern Kentucky University, the University of South Florida, and the University of Kentucky. She presented workshops and professional development training at the local, regional, state, and national level to inspire the next generation of educators. She retired with 34 years of teaching and educational leadership. Dr. Wells was a 50+ year member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society for Women Educators, having served as state president 1989-1991, providing leadership training and professional development sessions, serving on local, state, national, and international committees, and attending conferences throughout the United States.
She was a people person who loved to travel. Her hobbies included renovating and decorating her home, gardening, and her cats. She was a member of the Lancaster Church of the Nazarene, and as a child, performed with the Shearer Trio in local churches and on a local radio station. Funeral services were held on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 1 PM, led by Pastor Darrell Hodge, at Spurlin Funeral Home in Lancaster, Kentucky. Visitation was held Sunday March 26, 2023, from 3 to 6 PM at the funeral home. Serving as pallbearers will be her nephews and great-nephews. Memorial contributions can be made to the Lancaster Church of the Nazarene, 131 Victory Lane Lancaster, KY 40444 or Kentucky Educational Television (KET), 600 Cooper Drive, Lexington, KY 40502 or Delta Kappa Gamma Society for Women Educators, 12710 Research Blvd., Austin TX 78759.