Jesse Edwin Shearin, Jr.

Jesse Edwin Shearin, Jr. died peacefully on March 6, 2026, at The Barclay House in Tarboro after a brief illness. Born on November 4, 1940, to Jesse Edwin Shearin and Lanell Kennedy Shearin, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Virginia (Jinny) Lynn Walston, on March 31, 1961.

Music was Jesse’s lifelong passion. He left Scotland Neck to attend Indian Springs boarding school in Alabama, where he sharpened his talents in the music program. True to his word, he wrote to Jinny every day, once sending two letters to make up for a missed one. He went on to direct the Tar River Choir in Rocky Mount, The Sounds of Gold, and many other church choirs throughout the area.

When he was not making music, Jesse could usually be found on the golf course. Until just a few months before his death, he was a familiar figure at Scotfield Country Club whenever the temperature rose above sixty degrees, constantly refining and tinkering with his game. Deeply devoted to his community, he gave generously of his time, helping to establish the new hospital in Scotland Neck, converting Hobgood Academy into Hobgood Charter School, writing a newspaper column, and pursuing numerous other efforts to improve the lives of those around him.

Jesse is survived by his three sons, Jesse E. Shearin III (Shivaughn), James W. Shearin (Sue), and William V. Shearin (Jen); nine grandchildren, Jay, Katie, Holly, James Jr., John, Megan, Emma, Olivia, and Juliet; and three great-grandchildren, Greer, Warren, and Sophie. He is also survived by his sisters, Deanna Schaff and Edwina Shearin. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jinny Lynn Shearin, his parents, and his siblings Jimmy Shearin and Patricia Alford.