Mary Lou Grear

Mary Lou Grear of New Castle, Indiana, passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 26, 2026, at her home, surrounded by family and an abundance of love. Her departure marks the end of a life well-lived, filled with warmth, kindness, and devotion to those whom she held dear. She was born November 14, 1934 in Straughn, Indiana. She and her husband, Leon, were married at First Baptist Church in New Castle and moved to Miami, Florida on their honeymoon.

While living in Miami, they were part of a group of dear friends who followed the call of God to plant a church, Carol City Baptist Church (now New Life Baptist Church), first in a storefront, then in a new building which Leon helped construct. The church grew quickly to include a grade school where Mary Lou served as Director of Christian Education and was also church pianist. Mary Lou and Leon's family developed dear friendships and Christian fellowship with other families during that time which have lasted throughout these many years.

An integral part of their ministry through the years included singing at many church services and weddings. Their musical travels took them to the states of Indiana, Georgia, Kentucky and Florida. They also recorded an album of their favorite songs to further their ministry. Another ministry that Mary Lou held dear was "distributing" Bibles in Africa, China, Egypt, Japan, London, Mexico, Russia, and Israel. While in Israel, Mary Lou also had the privilege of being re-baptized in the Jordan River.

While in Florida, they were blessed with five children: John (Lytha) Grear of New Castle, an infant daughter who passed at birth, Sherri Lynn Grear, Lee (Julie) Grear of New Castle, an infant daughter who passed, Joanna Grear, and Danny (Rhonda) Grear of Slidell, Louisiana. The family moved back to New Castle in 1969 when Leon returned to Chrysler Corp. and Mary Lou worked at the Wittenbraker YMCA where she served as a swimming instructor, teaching infants and toddlers.

After retirement, they split their time between New Castle and Florida, where they built two new homes. Among their hobbies, they enjoyed taking art classes where they learned to oil paint. They also greatly enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Most recently, Mary Lou attended Foursquare Church in New Castle with several of her family members. Mary Lou recently wrote and published a book, "Living and Learning", in which she shared stories about how God brought joy to her life, which she loved sharing with others.

Mary Lou adored her grandchildren: Alicia (Justin) Wardlow, Natalie (Jameson) Werking, Katie (Steven) Hay, Kyle (Shelly) Grear, Jacob (Melissa) Grear and Danielle (Joel) Baker; Bringing her great joy are her adorable great-grandchildren: Ryan and Raegan Wardlow, Ellanor Werking, Edison and Annie Hay, foster child Will, Elijah and Elyse Grear, Benjamin Grear, Evelyn and Owen Baker; and a sister: Paulette along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

 Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents: Joseph and Ellanor (Ellsworth) Stubbs, her husband Leon on September 3, 1993; and an infant brother, Craig.

In accordance with Mary Lou's wishes, a private graveside service will be held in South Mound Cemetery, West Lawn addition with Pastor Charles McDonald officiating. Memorial contributions may be sent to New Life Baptist Church of Carol City, 5005 NW 173rd Drive, Miami FL 33055 or online at www.visitnewlife.net/donate. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. The family would also cherish any condolences or memories of Mary Lou that you would like to share at www.hinsey-brown.com.