Josephine B. Sears

Hattie Josephine Bryson Sears, 90, of Apex, Chatham County, NC, passed peacefully into her Savior’s arms as she slept in her home, with her 2 eldest in attendance. She was born in her grandparents’ home in Apex, Wake County, NC on 23 May 1933 to Sarah Kathleen Yates Bryson & John Hunter Bryson. Raised in the Green Level Baptist Church community, she was surrounded by many relatives who referred to most members of the family by first and middle names. Known as “Jo”, by Gene F. Sears, deceased, her husband and fellow farmer for 64 years and her surviving sister, Melba Ruth Bryson of Hattiesburg, MS. Preceded in death by her other siblings, Sarah Alice Council, and John Hunter Bryson, Jr. Known as “Hattie Jo” by fellow members of Green Hope School, where she played basketball, and her cousins with whom she played baseball. Hattie Jo was known as “girl” by her father-in-law, the late Rev. H. C. (Kit) Sears and Mommy, Mama or Mother by her 5 children, Debora, Kathy and Robert Sears, Barbara Harry and Lora Schlosser: most currently live on the farm her husband was raised upon and they farmed for 50 years. She is survived by all of her children, 2 sons-in-law, Bob Crow (Kathy) of San Antonio, TX, and Bill Schlosser (Lora) and granddaughter, Jacqueline Crow, Panama City, FL. She was preceded in death by son-in-law Blair Harry and granddaughter Samantha Crow Hinojosa. “Aunt Jo” is survived by many nieces and nephews and preceded in death by 4 nephews. Hattie Jo graduated from East Carolina College where she sang in choir. She taught high school and was a county extension agent before raising her children and farming. She loved most animals, enjoyed making plants grow and could cook, freeze or can most anything. “Grandma Sears” was quite the seamstress, sewing for all of her family to include satin cumberbunds for her granddaughters when Kathy married Bob. Mrs. Sears taught many church classes and sang in various church choirs. She continued this practice at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church adding Vacation Bible School and nursery worker to her areas of interest. In later life she was the fryer of cornbread for chicken stews! Visitation for family and friends will be held at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church on Friday, September 22, 2023, from 10 am to 11 am. The funeral service will immediately follow at the same location, with Rev. Randy Umberger presiding. Mrs. Sears will be laid to rest at the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made to Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church.

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Josephine B. Sears

May 23, 1933 - September 17, 2023