October 31, 1941 - August 10, 2025
Joan Brown Searcy, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. A celebration of her life will be held at Harrell Funeral Home in
Kyle, Texas, on August 23, 2025 at 2 p.m. where family and friends are warmly invited to gather in remembrance.
Born on October 31, 1941, in Victoria, Texas, Joan was a cherished daughter of Willa and Homer Brown. She shared a lifelong bond with her sister, Carole Brown Rider, whose love and friendship enriched her life.
Joan married the love of her life, Tom Searcy, in Beeville, Texas, in 1960 after he proposed at her senior prom. Together, they shared 65 devoted years of marriage, building a beautiful life rooted in family, faith, service and adventure. The couple started out their married life together in Austin, Texas, in 1960 while Tom pursued his education at the University of Texas.
Affectionately known as Honey, Joan's greatest joy was her family; despite her young years, she led her four children, numerous pets, and quite a few of her children's endeared classmates with deep wisdom, an open kitchen policy, and the dreaded wooden spoon. She is survived by her husband Tom, sister Carole, and her children: Janet Searcy Allen, of Spicewood, married to Jack Allen, and their children Boone (and Holly) Allen and Amanda (and Andrew) King; Trisha Searcy Grafton, of Austin, married to Rich Grafton, and their children Thomas (and Kendall), Amelia, and Matthew (and Lauren) Grafton; Jeff Searcy, of Austin, married to Sydney Searcy, and their sons Vincent (and Christy) and Lex Searcy; Amy Searcy Lauer, of Austin, married to Rob Lauer, and their sons Andrew and Brady Lauer.
Joan was a remarkable woman whose life was marked by quiet strength, creativity, and deep compassion. Devoted to Tom, she was the sharp-minded partner who advised and supported him throughout life's highs and lows. Joan always said that she would follow him wherever he went. And she did! Travelers throughout their marriage, they saw the world alongside friends and family-riding camels in Egypt, sailing the Tomfoolery through the Caribbean, chasing waterfalls through New Zealand, and more. Joan was always ready for the adventure, as long as she had a book on hand. A masterful quilter and lifelong seamstress, she crafted treasured keepsakes that will be passed down through generations. Her hands were never idle, always creating beauty and comfort for others, whether it be food or textile. Once she was diagnosed with cancer, her cherished quilting friends came alongside her to finish the last two quilts she was working on for her grandkids' weddings. That was the kind of friendship Joan embodied and inspired.
She lived a life of faith-filled purpose-steadfastly praying, continuously being part of a church community, participating in weekly bible studies, and generously giving her time to serve others. Joan volunteered for decades with the Assistance League of Austin, Seton Hospitals in both Austin and Hays County, and Meals on Wheels, always quietly serving others. In their later years, Tom and Joan recruited and led senior volunteers when Seton Hays first opened. They loved volunteering so much that they created a scholarship fund to help nurses advance their educational goals. Joan's greatest legacy is seen in her steadfast love and partnership in marriage to her beloved husband and her unwavering faith in God, both of which were enduring and inspirational examples for her kids, grandchildren, and many of their friends.
Those who wish to honor Joan's memory may consider a donation to one of the causes dear to her heart:
* Searcy Family Education Foundation - Ascension Seton Hays - https://donate.supportsetonhays.org/campaign/716054/donate
* South Texas Children's Home, P.O. Box 1210, Beeville, Texas 78104-1210 - https://www.stchm.org/give/
·* First Baptist Church of Buda |104 S. San Marcos St. Buda, Texas 78610 | (512) 295-2161