Eleanor Ann Fears Shuffield
Eleanor Ann Fears Shuffield, age 91, of Beaumont Texas died peacefully on Monday, April 6, 2026.
Eleanor was born in Hobart, Oklahoma to Margaret and Paul Cunningham. She was the oldest of three siblings who all had an adventurous zest for life. Her father’s job brought them to Brownsville, Texas where Eleanor and her siblings continued to grow up. Eleanor attended The University of Texas – Hook em! – and was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority for over fifty years.
Eleanor’s passions in life were gardening, playing Bridge, attending Bible Study and getting together with the Thursday Night Supper Club. She was an active member of Magnolia Garden Club and went on many garden tours including an amazing tour in Hawaii for her 80th birthday. Junior League & the Altar Guild at Trinity were a life-long love with millions of fond memories for Eleanor.
Eleanor is survived by her sister-in-law, Kay Cunningham & her brother-in-law, Jim Sommerfrucht. Her legacy lives on through her three children – Carrie Mellon, Lisa Howard and John Fears, Jr. – her seven grandkids and two great-grandchildren. One of Eleanor’s greatest joys was spending time with her immediate and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Evelyn Sommerfrucht; her brother, Paul York Cunningham, Jr.; her first husband of thirty-four years, John Huey Fears; and her second husband of fifteen years, Dr. James Shuffield.
Eleanor’s family wants to send their sincerest gratitude to the staff at Lucas Court Assisted Living facility and the Altus Hospice staff for the excellent care they provided Eleanor the last month of her life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer Association https://www.alz.org, American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org or a charity of your choice on her behalf.
A gathering of Mrs. Shuffield’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 17, 2026, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont, with her interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- April 17, 2026
- 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Funeral Service
Trinity United Methodist Church
- 3430, Harrison Ave, Beaumont, TX, 77706,
- April 18, 2026
- 1:00 pm
Interment
Magnolia Cemetery
- 2291, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
My condolences to your Family in this time of Grief Praying for all of You. Your friend Pearl and the Valery Family
My condolences to you and your family.
Enjoyed visiting with her in Sunday School each week. She was such a sweet lady, she will truly be missed.
Our sincere condolences. May you always remember the special moments with your mom. Our love & prayers for your whole family John.
Sharon & Johnny Passmore
So sorry for the loss of your mom. She surely must have been an amazing lady as evident in
the family she has left behind.
She was a lovely woman who was a pleasure to be with. She will be missed by so many of us.
What a dear friend and truly one of the great Christian ladies, who was faithful, elegant, and gracious. As chair of the Altar Guild, she had such a deep grasp of the “art of worship.”
May God receive her into the arms of His mercy.
We will miss you, dear sweet Eleanor.
Ellie was such a sweet lady. It was a pleasure knowing her. I am praying for the family but most especially her Granddaughter Makayla and her Grandson Zachary. Fly high with the angels Ellie! You were greatly loved.