Beverly Elaine “Bev” Shear, 96, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025. Born in Buffalo, New York, Bev lived a full and meaningful life that took her to Edgewood, Maryland; Purcellville, Virginia; and ultimately, Great Falls Memory Care in Herndon, Virginia.

A devoted mother and a woman of quiet strength and faith, Bev dedicated her life to caring for her family and sharing her love of music with others. She was a gifted piano instructor and a longtime church organist at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. She touched countless lives with her talent, patience, and grace. Prior to the establishment of Good Shepard, she was the organist at Presbury Methodist Church for many years prior.

She was also known for her passion for music as was a piano teacher for tens if not more than a hundred students in the Edgewood area.

Bev was known for her kind and giving spirit. She approached life with warmth, generosity, and deep compassion, always ready to help others and always placing her family at the center of her world. She found joy in simple, meaningful pursuits — playing the piano, reading historical novels, doing needlework, and completing crossword puzzles, which she tackled with both enthusiasm and skill.

Bev was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph Shear; her daughter, Debbie Requa; her son-in-law Jim Galford; and her grandchild Ben Galford. She is survived by her children Sandy Murphy and her husband David; Carol Furtado and her husband Robert; Edward (Ted) Shear and son-in-law Mark Requa. Bev was the proud grandmother of Kyler Galford and her husband Charles Nyguen; Mindi Parmet and her husband Jason; Rob Furtado; Jennifer Furtado and her husband John Reumont; and Melissa Furtado. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren, including Caden, son of Kyler, and Tyson, son of Mindi. Bev’s legacy of love, faith, and kindness lives on through each of them and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A Memorial Service for the extended family will be held on in March 21 at Webster Presbyterian Church Webster, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association or St. Joseph’s Indian School, causes dear to Bev’s heart.

Bev’s legacy of love, faith, and kindness will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.