Mary Jane Paxton Shealy

Mary Jane Paxton Shealy, 90, of Gilbert, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025. She was born on January 18, 1935, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was the beloved daughter of the late Benjamin Franklin and Mary Proctor Paxton. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Kimball Emanuel Shealy, and her daughter, Kimberly Shealy Wright.

Mary Jane will be lovingly remembered by her children, Miriam Shealy Matthews (Wesley) and Michael Emanuel Shealy (Jackie). She was deeply loved and adored by her grandchildren: Meredith Matthews Derrick (Robert), Mackenzie Matthews Taylor (Blair), Megan Matthews Moore (Michael), Michael Bryson Shealy, and Jackson Emanuel Shealy; and she will be greatly missed by her great-grandchildren: Abigail Britt Derrick, Katherine Ruth Derrick, Harrison Yates Taylor, Proctor Reeves Taylor, Brooke Louise Moore, Henry Theodore Moore, Mary Claire Moore, and Wesley Michael Moore.

Mary Jane graduated from Gilbert High School with honors. During her time there, she was a member of the Junior Homemakers Club, Science Club, Hilltopper Staff, Gilbertine Staff, and the basketball team. She wrote her graduating class history and was voted “Most Popular” and “Best Looking” as Senior Superlatives. The Gilbertine was dedicated to her in 1965, and she was inducted into the Gilbert High School Hall of Fame in 1998.

She graduated with honors from Columbia College in 1956, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Home Economics. During college, she was a member of the Dean’s List, Post Script Staff, Sociology Club, Sigma Tau Sigma, Education Club, Choral Club, and Spanish Club. She completed postgraduate work at the University of South Carolina with a major in Guidance.

She began her teaching career at Lexington High School in 1956. She loved her students deeply and often spoke of the happiness and joy they brought her. She sponsored the Lexington High School Student Council and assisted in designing the first LHS Wildcat logo. She became Lexington High School’s first Teacher of the Year in 1985.

Mary Jane and Kimball shared a love of travel and explored England, France, Germany, Wales, Scotland, Greece, Turkey, Hungary, Poland, Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Switzerland, China, and Canada, as well as many places across the United States.

One of the most defining attributes of Mary Jane’s life was her deep and genuine faith in the Lord and His Son, Jesus Christ. She taught Sunday School, served on the church council, and directed Vacation Bible School. Her zest for life, steadfast faith, love for family and friends, giving spirit, and care for others will be fondly and forever remembered.

The funeral service for Mary Jane will be held at 3:00 PM on Monday, December 1st at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service, beginning at 2:00 PM. A private graveside service will follow at the family cemetery. Active pallbearers will be: Michael Shealy, Bryson Shealy, Jackson Shealy, Robert Derrick, Blair Taylor, Michael Moore, and Wesley Matthews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the South Carolina Autism Society, 806 12th Street, West Columbia, SC 29169.