Ethel Kearns Mayer's Obituary
Ethel Kearns Mayer, 85, a beloved widow, mother, and grandmother, was called home to Heaven by the Lord on Friday, July 5, 2024. She lived a long and fulfilled life, marked by faith, love, and service. She will be missed by her friends and family.
Ethel is survived by her children: daughters Karen Mayer and Rachel Mayer Port; son Jeff Mayer; grandchildren Louis Mayer, Sabrina Mayer, and James Port; as well as five of her late husband’s grandchildren, Peter, Mia, Janina, Jaclyn, and Will, who lovingly knew her as “Chum.” She is also survived by her sister, Janet Haller, and her husband’s son-in-law, Jack Wagner. She was predeceased by her cherished husband, Louis R. Mayer; her son, Gregory Todd Mayer; her husband’s daughter, Renee Lynne Wagner; and Renee and Jack’s daughter, Molly Anne Wagner; her mother Ethel Kearns McVay, brother Kenneth James Kearns and father Clarence James Kearns.
Born on August 10, 1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ethel faced early hardships with grace and resilience. After her father’s passing when she was just five years old, her mother, pregnant with her third child, raised Ethel in challenging circumstances. Despite moving 17 times before graduating high school, Ethel's unwavering spirit led her to a life-changing experience at the Bentleyville Camp Meeting, where she committed her life to Christ.
Her academic journey was equally remarkable. Thanks to a full college scholarship from Albert L. Luce, the owner of Bluebird Bus and Transportation, Ethel attended Asbury College. She went on to teach English and British Literature in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Florida, ultimately retiring from Clearwater High School.
Ethel’s love story with her husband, Lou, began in a divine encounter during a snowstorm as she drove to a National Day of Prayer event. They married on June 24, 1967, and settled in Clearwater, Florida, where they raised their four children. Ethel’s faith remained a cornerstone of her life, and she actively worshipped and served at Skycrest Baptist Church, Calvary Baptist Church, and most recently at The Salvation Army of Clearwater where she dedicated herself to shepherding youth and various volunteer roles.
A viewing and visitation will be held at Moss Feaster, Belcher Road, on Friday, July 12, at 10:00 AM, followed by a brief service at 11:00 AM. Committal will follow at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, Clearwater. A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, August 25, at 2:00 PM at The Salvation Army Clearwater Corps, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ethel’s memory may be made to The Salvation Army Clearwater Corps or the Morton Plant Mease Health Care Foundation.
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