Obituary of Mary Crockett Gearhart

Mary Crockett Gearhart died on 11/16/23 in Wytheville, VA. She was preceded in death by her parents James French Strother Crockett and Helen Jean Barker Crockett. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Rebecca Jean Crockett. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, James D. Gearhart, her daughters Rebecca Gearhart Lane and Helen Gearhart Moore and favorite son-in-law Joseph David Moore. She dearly loved her six grandchildren (Noah Strother Gearhart McWhirter, Rosemary Sara Moore, Solomon Joseph Moore, Joseph David Moore, Jr., Oliver Jack Lane, and Theo Gearhart Moore). Mary was born in Welch, WV on May 16, 1949, and graduated from Welch High School in 1967. She attended several colleges before graduating with a number of degrees from Bluefield State University. She met Jim Gearhart, and they married on March 16, 1974. It was long rumored that the marriage was arranged by her father and Jim’s great uncle, Charlie Gearhart. The couple moved nine times through six states with Norfolk & Western Railway and Norfolk Southern Corporation during their life together. They made wonderful friends and many memories along the way. Mary adapted to the continual relocations by involving herself in church work and civic activities while raising Rebecca and Jeannie. Her gift for decorating came into play as she transformed every house where they lived into a special warm home. Their home was always a welcome gathering place for family and friends. After retiring from the railroad, Jim and Mary moved to Wytheville to build their dream home in Crockett’s Cove. Our family wishes to thank the medical professionals and staff at Carrington Place Rehabilitation Center and Gentiva Hospice for their special care during her final illness. Mary will be buried in the Cove Church Cemetery beside her family. Visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday, 11/21/23 at Grubb Funeral Home in Wytheville, VA from 6 to 8 P.M. A service celebrating the Witness to the Resurrection will be held at the Wytheville Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, 11/22/23 at 11 A.M. There will be a reception following the service in Hatcher Hall. A private internment service in Crockett’s Cove will precede the funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be directed to the Wytheville Presbyterian Church. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.