Lynn Merritt Mathias Shealy

Lynn Mathias Shealy, 76, of Mt. Pleasant, SC, wife of Dr. Ralph Shealy, died October 27, 2023. Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 4 at All Saints Lutheran Church, 2107 N. Hwy. 17, at 11:00 am, followed by a reception in the Parish Life Center. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Mount Pleasant Chapel. 

Lynn was born in 1947 in Columbia, SC, daughter of the late Dr. Marion Mathias and the late Betty Mathias. She attended Columbia High School, where she and Ralph met. Lynn was a year ahead of Ralph, and “made the first move” by inviting him to the Junior/Senior Prom. 

Family has always been the most important thing throughout Lynn's life. Lynn and Ralph were married fifty-four years, and she cherished her role as a loving and nurturing wife, mother, and Mimi. She was always eager to help. No matter the challenge, she would find a way to support her friends and family. 

Lynn also had a profound impact on people as a medical missionary with Southeastern Medical International, serving in impoverished places all over the world. She inspired others with her kindness and selflessness, and was a friend to everyone she met. Lynn was a member of All Saints Lutheran Church for over 40 years, where she found solace in prayer and fellowship. 

Lynn practiced and taught Tae Kwon Do for over 30 years, and was committed to her “second family” in the World Tae Kwon Do Association (later USATMA). Her dedication led to her earning a fifth-degree black belt. 

Education was important to Lynn as an individual and as a mother. She received her Bachelor's degree from Columbia College in SC, a Master's degree from Rutgers University in NJ, and two Master's degrees from Columbia University in New York City. She worked as a school guidance counselor before transitioning to a Full-Time Mom and Family Coordinator Extraordinaire. 

Her legacy is filled with immeasurable contributions, and she will forever remain in our hearts.  

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ralph, and four children; Kimberly, Kristen, Forrest, and Allison; grandchildren; Caroline, William, Kailen, James, Cole and Forrest J.; sisters-in-law, Joyce and Cappy; and four nieces, Molly, Liza, Sarah, and Katherine.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, James Mathias, MD.

Memorials may be made to Southeastern Medical International, 810 Thunderbird Drive, Florence, SC 29510.

A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.