John W. Sears

March 17, 1922 - January 22, 2019

Cary

John Winston Sears died early on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. When his beloved wife Maggie Belle died on November 3, 2018, his zest for life died too. John and Maggie Belle were married for 77 great years, and John's heart was forever broken when the love of his life died.

John was born on a farm in the Carpenter community of Wake County to Berry Fred Sears and Bertha Lorena Searls Sears. He was the eighth of nine children. He attended Green Hope High School, where he met his life-long love, and Hardbarger Business School. He married Maggie Belle Stone in 1941, and they moved into the house where she was born soon after. They lived there during most of their 77-year marriage, moving out only long enough for the retirement community designed by their son Bill to be built. Bill's goal was for SearStone, named after both of his parents, to be the place his parents could live out their golden years in a comfortable, life-enhancing environment for seniors, on the property where they raised their family and put down deep roots.

John is survived by his son William and wife Rita; son Tommy and wife Brenda; daughter Linda Suggs and husband Jack; and son Bruce and wife Beth. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren (Lisa, Tommy Jr., Denise, Emily, JohnDavid, Dana and Courtney) and 6 great-grand children (Melissa, Banks, Emery, Griffin, Taylor and Charlotte) who all loved their Papa dearly.

Survivors also include his 100-year-old brother Daniel Sears and a host of great nieces and nephews.

In addition to Maggie Belle, John was pre-deceased by his son Bobby and by Bobby's wife Brenda and by his granddaughter Brandy Lane Sears. He was also pre-deceased by 7 siblings: Durward Sears, Pansy Herndon, Berry Fred Sears, Jr., Rachel Yates, O'Neal Sears, Ozie Watson, and Clair Sears.

John loved spending time with his family. Nothing pleased him more than having his family gathered around his table. John and Maggie also enjoyed traveling and, after the children were grown, they visited every state in the USA (including Hawaii and Alaska).

John and Maggie were members of Good Hope Baptist Church for all 77 years of their marriage, and John served in many capacities, including deacon. He was church secretary/treasurer for 40-some years. He also served on the Planning and Zoning Board for the Town of Cary, the Crabtree Watershed Commission, and the Apex School Board.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, January 26 in the sanctuary at Good Hope Baptist Church, 6628 Good Hope Church Rd., Cary, NC 27519. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 25 from 6-8 pm at the Apex Funeral Home.

The family wishes to express deep appreciation to the caregivers from Aware Senior Care and Transitions Life Care for their gentle, compassionate care of both John and Maggie. We especially appreciate the devoted care of Linda Leonard, who refused to leave John as death approached. We also want to recognize Cary police officer Lindsey Wygonik-Heller who was on duty when Mother died and who afterwards checked in on Dad regularly before her shifts began; her visits always made him smile and lifted his spirits.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the building fund at Good Hope Baptist Church or Transitions Life Care (Hospice of Wake County). Condolences may be made to the Sears family at www.BrownWynneCary.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News and Observer on Jan. 25, 2019.