Mary “Granny Mabel” Shemwell (born Mary Mabel Hardwick) departed this life on January 30, 2025, at the young age of 90 years, in her home in Winona, Missouri. She was born on March 15, 1934, in Alton, Missouri, to Ernest Hardwick and Mildred (Dickerson) Hardwick.
Mabel was raised in Alton alongside her eight siblings and graduated from Alton High School, where she enjoyed sports and various activities. Known for her strong work ethic and many talents, she started her working career at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft while living in Granite City, Illinois. After moving her family back to Winona, Missouri, she worked at Paramount, where she formed lifelong friendships. Later, she became the first woman ever hired-and the first woman to retire-from Missouri Hardwood Flooring in Birch Tree, Missouri.
Granny Mabel had many passions, including fishing, gardening, working on puzzle books, feeding the birds, and reading Westerns. She cherished attending her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events. She loved helping with the flowerbeds at the First Baptist Church and took part in the 30 Pieces of Silver fundraiser each year. Known for her generosity, no one who came to her for help was ever turned away. One of her favorite pastimes was sitting in her rocking chair on the porch, affectionately known for listening to her wind chimes and waving at those who passed by.
She was married to Everett Dean Shemwell, with whom she shared three sons: Jimmy, Mike, and Dean.
Mabel was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sons, Jimmy Shemwell and Dean (Carol) Shemwell; grandson, Christopher Shemwell; brothers, Bud Hardwick, Reggie (Laura Jane) Hardwick, and Ernie Hardwick; sisters, Nadine (Herman) Holmes and Thelma (James) Miller; and special friend, Roger Townsend.
She is survived by her son, Mike Shemwell; best friend, Jennive “Dimp” Shemwell; grandchildren, Amanda (Kevin), Jolene, and Michael; great-grandchildren, Brianna (Brandon), Kagon, Saige, Duncun, Caleb, Autumn, Avree, Abagail, Finn, Mackynlee, and Decklynn; grandson, Frank Jacobson; bonus grandchildren, Brianna, Ashley, and Amanda; great-great-grandchildren, Jackston and Jasper; brothers, Richard (Erma, deceased) Hardwick and Homer (Kay) Hardwick; sister, Helen (Henry, deceased) Bebee; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Granny Mabel was a spitfire, a woman who truly lived life to the fullest. She made friends wherever she went and will be fondly remembered as everyone’s “Granny Mabel.”
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Yarber Mortuary, Winona, Missouri, with Bro. Darrell Jones officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10-11:00 a.m. also at the funeral home. Interment will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Winona, Missouri. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
