Lois (Jean) Rimmer Eaker passed from this earthly life on November 6 at Carolina Reserve of Durham, NC where she had lived since November 2011. Prior to that date, Jean was a long time resident of Shelby, NC. She was a lifetime member of Central United Methodist Church where she was involved in the choir, the Altar Guild, teaching Sunday school, and the soup kitchen.

Jean was born in Iredell County, NC to Thomas Addison and Bessie Mae Rimmer, one of seven children. She attended Mitchell Community College and graduated from Lenoir Rhyne College in Hickory, NC where she obtained her elementary education degree. After marrying Ralph Gerald Eaker, of Lawndale, on September 5, 1942, Jean and Ralph spent the next several years in Durham, NC and Asheville, NC, while Ralph completed his medical training, before moving to Shelby. After a brief time living in Delaware and New Jersey, Jean and Ralph moved back permanently to Shelby in 1961. After her children were in school, Jean took a teaching position at Dover Elementary School where she stayed until her retirement. After retirement, Jean's "second career" was as a leader in the soup kitchen at Central United Methodist Church and was honored when the kitchen was named after her in January 2009. Jean was beloved by many in both her work and her church. She continued to get notes of thanks and well wishes from students and friends until her death. Jean never failed to be thankful for all the wonderful people who enriched her life and continued to care about her even after she left her home in Shelby. Her family wishes to thank most especially the staff at Carolina Reserve (formerly Spring Arbor) in Durham who cared for her so kindly for the past decade as well as the staff of Duke Hospice who were in charge of her care and comfort since January 2021.

Jean is survived by her children, Deborah Eaker Rich (husband, Robert W. Rich Jr) and David William Eaker (wife, Elisa C. Eaker) and four beloved grandchildren--Brittany Kirkland (husband, Bryant), Logan (wife, Page), Kelsey (fiance, Jackson Hanigofsky), and Kate (partner, John Diehl). She has two great grandchildren, Bryant Mullinex Kirkland, III (Mays) and Addison Rae Eaker. She is also survived by two siblings, Ruth Barker and Edwin Rimmer, both of Troutman, NC plus numerous nieces and nephews. Jean was predeceased by her husband, Ralph, her parents, and four siblings, Alwyn, Halbert, Voigt, and Miriam Rimmer.

A private graveside service for immediate family will be held at Cleveland Memorial Park in Shelby. A celebration and remembrance of Jean's life will be held for extended family and community at Central United Methodist Church in early 2022. Contributions in Jean's honor may be made to Central United Methodist Church of Shelby or the charity of your choice.