Johnnye Lee Sears

Lovingly surrounded by family, Johnnye Lee Wilson Sears, age 90, peacefully passed away on January 4, 2026, in Brownwood, Texas. Graveside Services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, January 8th, at the Zephyr Cemetery Pavilion in Zephyr, Texas under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home in Early. There will be no formal visitation; although, friends may pay their respects on Wednesday, January 7th at Heartland Funeral Home from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Johnnye was born in Baylor County on June 19, 1935, to the late Jesse B. and Vera Wilson. She graduated from Seymour High School in 1953. Johnnye married George Maurice Sears in 1955 and was blessed with two daughters. In 1959, George and Johnnye moved to Wichita Falls, where he co-owned K&N Services maintaining and working on large oil rig engines. In 1970, George and Johnnye bought land in Zephyr, Texas, across from the Sears family home place. Johnnye began working at Zephyr ISD as an aide and then as a secretary. She worked for the school for twenty-six years before retiring.
Johnnye was a loving, dedicated mother and grandmother who enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren participate in all events throughout the years. She loved to travel with her cousins.
Johnnye was a talented and beautiful seamstress, and she enjoyed her garden flowers and birds.
Johnnye was a member of the Zephyr and Early Churches of Christ.
Johnny is survived by her daughters Sandy Strefling of Temple and Lisa Beck and her husband Wes of Early; grandchildren, Shauna Green Ciceri, Denise Green Wilson, Leslie Beck, and Amy Beck Barros; and great-grandchildren, Mason and Jase Wilson.
Johnnye was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and one brother, Jesse Earl Wilson.
The family would like to thank Dr. Tamara Cox and her staff for taking care of our parents and Dan and JoAnne Childress, who as neighbors lovingly cared for George and Johnnye. Her family would also like to thank Woody and Tami Wood and Linda Barnum of Mullin.
The family would like to thank Oak Ridge Manor Nursing and Rehab and Solaris Hospice for their care and support.