Violet Mears

Violet Pruitt Mears, 93, of Parksley and a resident of the Commonwealth Senior Living, wife of the late Otho Washington “O.W.” Mears, passed away on June 14, 2025 in Onancock.

Born on September 30, 1931 in Chesconessex, she was the daughter of the late Sidney Pruitt and Ona Dize Pruitt.

Violet was married at the age of 16 and was married to O.W. for 72 years. Her dedication to her husband, their business Barnyard Auctions, and her family was unmatched. She was a member of Zion Baptist Church, serving in different committees over the years. Violet loved the outdoors and hunting, shooting her first deer at the age of 74, alongside her husband. Best known for her love of cooking, Violet was an exceptional baker, often gifting others with her sweets. She had a calm, loving and generous presence which she often shared with those in need. There was rarely a day that you didn’t see her with a smile on her face and a kind word to share.

Violet is survived by her beloved and dedicated son, Otho L. “Lennie” Mears of Spotsylvania; grandchildren, Lucy Beadnell and husband Ray of Arlington; Katie Pendergrast and husband Chris of Charlotte, NC; Ryan Goodrich and wife Heather of Richmond; and Adam Goodrich and wife Jenny of Elkton; 13 grandchildren; a brother, Brooks Pruitt and wife, Sharon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Other than her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sisters, Eva Parks, Norma Fletcher, Sue Brown, Sidney Ann Davis and Nancy Horner.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 20th at 2:00 PM from Commonwealth Senior Living in Onancock with Rev. Michael French officiating. A reception will follow at the Zion Baptist Church fellowship hall in Parksley. Interment will be private.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Zion Baptist Church, c/o Ann Kellam, 26485 Lang Farm Road, Accomac, VA 23301.

Arrangements are by the Thornton Funeral Home in Parksley, VA.

To sign the guest book online, visit: www.thorntonfuneralhome.net