Dorothy W. "Dot" Shears, 85, of Franklin, WV passed away on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at Grant Rehabilitation and Care Center in Petersburg, WV.

She was born July 14, 1931 in Harrisonburg, Virginia and was the daughter of the late Raymond B. Smith and Ruth Hammer Smith.

Dorothy was a 1948 graduate of Franklin High School.  She attended West Virginia Business College in Fairmont, WV and retired in 1989 from the Bell Atlantic District Office in Clarksburg.

Her husband of 50 years, James J. Shears preceded her in death on January 21, 2003.  She returned to live in her beloved Pendleton County in 2004.

Dorothy is survived by –

One brother –

Earl S. Smith (& wife, Pat) of Franklin, WV

Two nephews –

Jeffrey Smith of Franklin, WV

Jason Smith of Harrisonburg, VA

And one niece –

Vickie Lynn Smith of Petersburg, WV

She was preceded in death by a brother, Dorlan G. Smith.

Per her request, her body was cremated and all services will be private.