Sara Sears Obituary

Sara Potts Sears EDGEFIELD, SC - Sara Potts Sears, 92, of Edgefield, SC, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Sara was born in Ringgold, GA, the eldest daughter of the late James Conley and Eugenia Bailey Potts. She was a graduate of The University of Georgia and held professional certifications in Elementary Education and Speech and Language Pathology. While at UGA, a mutual friend introduced her to Marvin Hugh Sears, III. Sara and Marv were married April 28, 1968, on their lunch hour and lived happily together for 50 years until his death on April 21, 2018. She was a lifelong educator. She taught in GA and SC public schools, worked in the stroke rehab program at Siskin Rehabilitation Hospital, Chattanooga, TN, and as a Speech and Language Pathologist for Aiken County, SC schools for more than 30 years, primarily at North Augusta Elementary School. Sara was an active member of Edgefield UMC since 1973, teaching 1st and 2nd grade Sunday School for more than 30 years. In retirement, Sara volunteered with many organizations, including the Old 96 District Chapter of DAR, Edgefield County Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary, Edgefield Camellia Club, and Les Dames de Fleurs. She enjoyed attending lectures as a member of the Edgefield County Historical Society. She was an active member of her book club and avid gardener and bird watcher. Sara remained close to both sisters her whole life - she and Jimmie talked daily on the phone to do the Jumble puzzle together from the newspaper. Sara is survived by her daughter, Hannah Sears Gillard (Bubba) of Edgefield and Mount Pleasant, SC and by her granddaughter, Sarah Catherine Inabinet Gillard of Mount Pleasant and Edinburgh, Scotland. She is also survived by her sister, Jimmie Raper (Miles); her sister-in-law, Donna Roper Canada; and nieces, nephews and cousins. Sara was preceded in death by her husband, parents and her sister, Jo Marlow. A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 PM, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Edgefield United Methodist Church, 309 Norris Street, Edgefield, SC. Interment at Westover Cemetery, Augusta, GA will be held privately at a later date. Contributions in her memory may be made to Edgefield United Methodist Church, PO Box 25, Edgefield, SC 29824 or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.