Dr. Emma Jo Benson Sears, PhD

Dr. Emma Jo Benson Sears passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025, in San Angelo, Texas, at the age of 83. She was born in Durant, Oklahoma, to Joe Horace and Alpha Fay Benson, and grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, where her lifelong devotion to service, education, and family began.

She was the beloved wife of Franklin “Frank” Neville Sears, who preceded her in death in 2021 after 58 years of marriage. Jo is survived by her children, Michael Sears of Carlsbad, Texas, and Jennifer Sears, along with son-in-law Mil Sneler and cherished granddaughter Claire Sears Sneler of Vilseck, Germany. She also leaves behind her beloved sister Sue McClure and husband Randy of Davis, Oklahoma, and many nieces and nephews from siblings Deloris Knight, Jim Benson, Bobby Benson, Benny Benson, and John Benson, who have gone before her.

A proud citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, Dr. Sears honored her heritage through education and advocacy. She established a nursing scholarship in memory of her grandmother, Janie Hardwick Benson, to support aspiring Chickasaw nurses. Her academic journey included degrees from Texas Christian University, the University of Texas at Arlington, and the University of North Texas. She served as a nurse, a Service Chief for the VA in Big Spring, Texas, and as a Professor of Nursing at Angelo State University in San Angelo—roles through which she touched countless lives with compassion and wisdom.

Jo was a faithful servant, a generous provider, and a passionate educator. She found joy in reading, watching game shows, and traveling throughout Europe. Her unwavering support for the military, TCU, Meals for the Elderly, and Salvation Army reflected her deep commitment to community and care. She briefly served as a Nurse in the Naval Reserves, before supporting her husband during his Air Force career.

A graveside service will be on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 10am at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband. Services are led by Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo, Texas. 

Her legacy lives on in the lives she shaped, the family she loved, and the values she championed. She will be missed very much.