Nancy Stephens Sears

Nancy Hercelia Stephens Sears stepped peacefully into heaven from her home after a three-year battle with ovarian cancer on September 17, 2022. She was born on August 1, 1941 in Raleigh to the late Rollin Thomas Stephens and Ruby Norris Stephens both of Raleigh, NC, and graduated from Garner High School in 1959.

Family was very important to Nancy and she was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She married her childhood friend and sweetheart, James Matthew Sears, on August 20, 1961, and graduated from Meredith College as an elementary education major in May 1963. Nancy and Jim lived in Lynchburg, VA for 30 years before they returned to Raleigh in 1994.

Nancy’s faith in Jesus Christ guided her character and life as a servant to others. She was a member of Fairview Baptist Church, and in other churches in VA and NC. She served as a woman’s mission group leader, Sunday School teacher, Woman’s Missionary Union director, association and state leader in VA; a school teacher at New London Elementary School in Forest, VA and at Swift Creek Elementary School in Cary, NC; Sunday School preschool director at Fairview, McCullers Ruritan Club cook and active member, and was a beloved friend, neighbor and homemaker.

Nancy had the gift of hospitality and loved entertaining in her home. She never met a stranger and was always kind, helpful and a hard worker in everything she did. Nancy has touched many lives, especially the lives of children during her brief 81 years on this earth.

Nancy is survived by her dear husband, Jim, of 61 years; four daughters: Jimmie Hughes (David), Lynn Harrison (Jim) Tonja Dewar (Phillip), and Amy Eggers (Mike); eight grandchildren called her Nina: Nathan Hughes (Chelsea), Lindsay Smith (Zack), Brittney Serban (Nick), Julie Harrison, Taylor Sears, Chad Eggers (fiancé, Sarah), Ty Eggers, and Meghan Bryant (Anthony); ten great-grandchildren; brothers: Glenn Stephens (Barbara), and Banks Stephens (Sharon); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A 9:00 AM burial will be held at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 on Thursday, September 22, 2022. Visitation will be held at Fairview Baptist Church, 5608 Ten-Ten Road, Apex, NC 27539, from 10:30 AM – 12:00 Noon, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 12:00 Noon at Fairview Baptist Church. All are welcome to attend the burial, visitation and Celebration of Life Service.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to: Transitions Hospice Care, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607, or Fairview Missions at www.fairviewchurch.org.