Mary Anne Shearin Hughes

Mary Anne Shearin Hughes, a native of Hickory Valley, Tennessee, went to heaven to be with her Savior on February 17, 2022, after a long illness.

Born December 11, 1935 to Jesse J. Shearin and Virgie Houston Shearin, Mary Anne was the third of their seven children. Her childhood was spent in Hickory Valley where she first developed her passion for horses. She graduated from Grand Junction High School and obtained her undergraduate degree in education from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. She met the love of her life, John Parry Hughes, a fellow classmate, at Grand Junction High School. They married after she graduated from college, while John was serving in the Navy.

Mary Anne and John spent their professional lives in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area, where she taught at various elementary schools as a media specialist. During her teaching career, Mary Anne was active in educational forums and organizations. After 30 years they retired and returned to Hickory Valley where they built a lovely home on their farm. During their retirement years, she enjoyed her passion for horses by participating in regional equestrian activities, including riding in the National Field Trials. She and John expanded their involvement by successfully breeding and showing Tennessee Walking Horses in the Halter Colt category. In 2003 their colt, Maahvelous, won a National Championship at Celebration in Fayetteville, TN. She volunteered at the National Field Trial Museum in Grand Junction, where she established the library. She participated in many activities at the Ames Plantation, where John’s parents had been employed and where he spent his high school years. In the 1970s, she very much enjoyed her travels to England, France and Wales, John’s ancestral home.

She was a devoted member of the Hickory Valley Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for a number of years. Mary Anne first became a member of the Church during her childhood and then again when they returned to Hickory Valley. Her Christian values and faith sustained her throughout her life and especially in her later years.

Mary Anne will perhaps most be remembered for her loving and engaging spirit in her everyday interactions, the warmth and breadth of her hospitality to everyone, and the quiet courage of her convictions. Her gracious, gentle demeanor was often evidenced by her beautiful, refined spoken style and artful handwriting, but also by the tiny gestures of welcome that made even the stranger feel at home. She could be playful, had an incredible memory, and was firmly supportive of educational opportunity and advancement of all.

She is pre-deceased by her husband of 50 years, John Parry Hughes; her brother, Jesse William Shearin; sister-in-law Mexie Shearin, one niece and two nephews. Survivors include sisters Janie Shearin Adams and husband, Bill C. Adams, of Ponte Vedra, FL; and Ruth Shearin of Covington, LA; brothers Lawrence Shearin of Westminster, CO; Joseph H. Shearin of Memphis, TN; and Frederick Shearin of Piperton, TN; beloved sisters-in-law Elaine Shearin and Janie Shearin; nine nieces and nephews. Also, from John’s family, two grand nephews, and 12 grand-nieces and nephews.

Mary Anne deeply loved her family and friends, who will miss her warmth and kindness every day. The family appreciates the devotion and support from her medical team and the Community Hospice & Palliative Care of Ponte Vedra, and from all the staff of The Palms of Ponte Vedra, the assisted living facility where she resided for the last two years.

A memorial service will be held March 12th at the Hickory Valley Baptist Church with interment at the Woods Cemetery, resting next to her husband. Visitation from 10AM to 10:45AM. The Service will be at 11AM. Private family burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to St. Jude’s Hospital, the Leukemia Society or to the upkeep of the Woods Cemetery.