Emma Mary Hoch Sears

Franklin - Emma Mary Hoch Sears, 89, of the Jones Creek Community, died peacefully in her sleep at home, February 7, 2012, surrounded by loved ones.

Mary was born in Atlanta, Ga., on October 9, 1922, the daughter of Emma Corley and Godfrey G. Hoch. She met her husband, Robert C. Sears, while she was attending Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, Texas, and he was a young Second Lieutenant at Fort Sam Houston. They married a week after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and she began the life of a service wife, accompanying Bob to posts around the country and to Germany. They celebrated their 70th anniversary on December 14, 2011. After Bob retired from the Air Force, they lived in Atlanta for some years before moving to Franklin, N.C., in 1979.

Mary painted large, colorful and whimsical paintings that decorate the walls of her home and those of family members. She loved books, poetry, music, musical instruments, flowers (especially zinnias), antiques and nature. After moving to the mountains, she taught yoga and tai chi, studied Jung with a circle of friends, gardened, visited her children and grandchildren and kept her beautiful home open for her many friends and relatives.

She was a loving and happy spirit, embracing life with grace, enthusiasm and great humor, and bringing joy to those around her, into her final years. She always found the best in others, rejoiced in their triumphs and overlooked their failings. A friend said the words that should be her epitaph: “She has an alibi for everyone.”

Mary was predeceased by two brothers, Godfrey G. Hoch Jr. and George Hoch. In addition to her husband Bob, she is survived by her children Barbara McRae of Franklin; Rob Sears of Crane, Texas; Elayne Sears of Crown Point, NY; and Jim (Debra) Sears of Missoula, Mt.; ten grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and a number of great- and great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Walter K. Hoch of Atlanta, and numerous nieces and nephews.The family is grateful for the loving care Peggy Martin gave to Mary during her final illness.

A memorial service will be held at a later time. Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Bryant Grant Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.