Gladys M. Sartin Sears

Born January 1, 1928 in Cedar Grove, North Carolina, Gladys grew up the second of six children of a farming family, where she learned at an early age to tend tobacco. She was the valedictorian of Hurdle Mills High School in 1945 and was offered a college scholarship. She moved to Burlington to live with her Aunt Luna Francis Bradsher (Wright) in the fall of that year, where she worked at Fuller Hosiery Mills until she turned 18. She then went to work for the Southern Bell telephone company as an operator, quickly becoming an operator instructor. Her favorite pastimes included watching old movies, ACC basketball, cooking & baking, southern foods, reading her Bible, and working puzzles.

In 1947, she would meet the love of her life, Percy Harward Sears, while riding the bus from Greensboro to Burlington. The two went on to be married August 28, 1949 and moved to Greensboro, where she worked for Southern Bell until the birth of her first-born in 1950, H. Christopher Sears.

Their children attended Clara J. Peck Elementary School, where Gladys maintained an active role in the Parent-Teacher Association as President and grade mother alongside lifelong friend Joyce Jackson. Gladys’ active role in her community did not end with rearing her own children. As a devout Baptist and Christian, Gladys taught Sunday School to preschoolers until she was 80 years old. She instilled wonderful values in so many other children, as well as her own grandchildren. Gladys was also a volunteer at Wesley Long Community Hospital as a “Pink Lady.” Her life as a servant leader extends far into the community of Greensboro, as she has touched the hearts and bettered the lives of so many, her philanthropic efforts and donations continue to add value to our community. She dedicated her life to selflessly teach others.

Gladys was a staunch supporter of Christian missions and missionaries. She was an active member at Florida Street Baptist Church and Southside Baptist Church. She was active also with Children’s Home Society, Guilford Technical Community College, Clara J. Peck Elementary School, Samaritan’s Purse, and Youth for Christ, among many other community charities and organizations.

Gladys is preceded in death by both parents Willie Draughn Sartin and Mary Elizabeth Bradsher Sartin, as well as husband of 47 years, Percy Harward Sears, Sr., brothers Billy and Bobby Sartin, and eldest son H. Christopher Sears, J.D. She is survived by sisters Grace White of Hurdle Mills, NC and Mary Ruth Kirby of Prospect Hill, NC, her brother Jack Sartin of Roxboro, NC, brother in-law Gene F. Sears and wife Hattie Jo, her children Percy Harward Sears, Jr., Marcia Kay Sears Regan and husband Elwood Regan, Mary Anne Sears Truslow and husband Dr. William Truslow, and John R. Sears and wife Teresa, as well as daughter-in-law Chris Roulhac, all of Greensboro, NC. She is also survived by grandchildren Kristin E. Sears of Asheville, NC, Maegan M. Sears of Greensboro, NC, Brenden S. Regan of Cincinnati, OH, Evan M. Morrison of Greensboro, NC, and William R. Sears of Greensboro, NC, as well as great grandchildren Jaedan R. Sears and Victoria S. Murray, also of Greensboro, NC.

Her family would like to offer thanks to Hospice and the wonderful caregivers that provided support through her final journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Guilford Technical Community College’s GTCC Foundation, P.O. Box 309 Jamestown, NC 27282, to support the Percy Sears Family Business Technology Endowed Scholarship, the Percy H. Sears Endowed Scholarship, and the Gladys S. Sears Teaching Chair- Business Technologies, or to Hospice & Palliative Care of Greensboro.

The family will hold a visitation Friday, June 28, 2013 from 6-8pm at Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home at 1900 Vanstory St. Greensboro, NC 27403. The Funeral Service will take place at 10:30am Saturday, June 29, 2013 at Southside Baptist Church at 1001 Greenhaven Drive Greensboro, NC 27406. Burial will follow at Guilford Memorial Park.

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. – Acts 20:24. May you rest in peace Momma, for you will be missed in your worldly presence, but may you live forever in all us touched by your life, may your example shine bright in our minds eternally, and may our family integrity be upheld by your wishes. You’re home now, with your Father and Savior and all those loved ones that passed before you.