Jean Randolph Sears

DURHAM – Jean Randolph Sears, age 88, died on December 9, 2020. She was born December 27, 1931 to Hal Gordon Randolph and Ruth Tapscott Randolph in Elon, NC.

Jean spent most of her life in Durham, NC. Graduating from Lowe’s Grove High School, Jean married Ed Sears in 1950 and the two were partners in life, raising Randy and Iris. In early years, Jean worked several places where she made lifelong friends. She retired from IBM as an Executive Assistant in 1992. Throughout her life, Jean was active in church activities and serving on numerous committees. Her days were spent volunteering at Lowes Grove Baptist Church, Yates Baptist Association, and The American Legion. She also enjoyed gardening and vacationing at Ocean Isle Beach. Both Ocean Isle and Lowe’s Grove were Jean’s happy places. Most importantly to her, Jean spent time with family and friends. Her family will always remember her gentle smile, sweet laugh, encouraging words, patience, and perseverance.

Jean is survived by her sisters, Ann Randolph Brooks, Faye Randolph Strickland (Don), her children Randy Sears (Amy), Iris Jean S. Ellington (Bill), her grandchildren, Emily (Michael), Claire, Will, Rob, and Christian, her great-grandchildren, Amelia, John and Caroline, and her brother-in-law Norman Sears. Jean is also blessed with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin L. Sears, her parents, Hal “HG” and Ruth Randolph, her mother-in-law, Pearl Sears, and brother-in-law, Jerry Brooks.

An outdoor Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Lowe’s Grove Baptist Church in Durham. The service will be live streamed for safe participation. A private burial will follow.
Click here to view the Livestream service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shallotte Presbyterian Church for the Beach Worship Service Fund or to the Lowe’s Grove Beach Baptist Church Music Fund.

The Family would like to thank caregivers Patricia Jacobs and Mary Ann Locklear whose loving care made Jean’s life rich and meaningful. Thank you to the health care professionals encountered at Duke University Hospital who brought Jean care and comfort.