Lurline Ellen Sears

Lurline “Lee” Ellen (Willis) Sears, age 91, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025, in Warren, Michigan. Born on March 8, 1934, in St. Joseph, Michigan, Lurline lived a vibrant life marked by creativity, resilience, and a lifelong devotion to nurturing others.

Raised in Bangor, Michigan, she attended public school from kindergarten through twelfth grade. During her school years, she played clarinet in the band and brought spirited enthusiasm to the cheerleading squad. In her early teens, Lurline faced polio with remarkable determination and made a full recovery. She began working young—first as a waitress at a local hotel restaurant and later alongside her father at his short-order diner, Irv’s Place.

After graduating high school in 1952, Lurline pursued Home Economics at Michigan State University. It was there that she reconnected with Kingsley Sears—her former teacher—and their bond quickly deepened into a lifelong partnership. They became engaged over Thanksgiving break in 1953 and were married on February 27, 1954. While Kingsley taught music for Kalamazoo Public Schools, Lurline continued her studies at Western Michigan College.

In the early years of their marriage, Lurline worked at Gilmore Department Store and the Burdick Hotel restaurant. Their growing family brought joy and purpose: son Schuyler Thomas (Tom) Sears was born on July 13, 1955; daughter Kathleen (Kathy) Byerly followed on July 24, 1956; and son William Irving (Bill) Sears arrived after their move to Parchment in 1959. The family settled in Warren in 1963 when Kingsley became Personnel Director for Warren Consolidated Schools. There, Lurline opened her heart and home to many more children through childcare.

Later in life, Lurline returned to school to earn a degree in Early Childhood Development—a milestone that coincided with Kathy’s graduation from Western Michigan University. In 1978, she joined Macomb County Head Start as an educator and became its first teacher to retire after fifteen years of dedicated service in 1994. Her legacy lives on through the countless young lives she nurtured with patience and care.

Lurline shared seventy-one devoted years of marriage with Kingsley—a union built on shared purpose and enduring affection. Together they created a home filled with warmth and welcome for all who entered.

She was a loving mother to Tom Sears, Kathy Byerly (Lee), Bill Sears (Jill), exchange students Sabina (Penselin) Schmincke and Clara (Vianna) Cunha; cherished grandmother to Rebecca Kuptz (Ken), Jason Sears (Bridget), and Jason Haithcox; and proud great-grandmother of Kingsley Sears and Ruby Sears.

Family adventures were central to her life—camping across Canada and nearly half of the United States provided treasured memories under open skies. At home, evenings often unfolded around bridge tables filled with laughter among friends.

A Master Gardener with an artist’s eye for color and whimsy, Lurline transformed her yard into a seasonal celebration of beauty. Her talents extended into the community through landscape designs for places like a local youth center and the courtyard of the Warren Community Center. As an active member of garden clubs, she held leadership roles that inspired creativity among fellow members.

Quilting became another joyful outlet for expression—each stitch lovingly sewn into quilts for babies and loved ones alike. Her sewing room was both sanctuary and studio—a place where fabric came alive beneath gentle hands.

Faith grounded every chapter of Lurline’s journey—from singing anthems under Kingsley's direction in Methodist and Presbyterian choirs to studying Scripture within adult Bible study groups. Her spirituality quietly guided her path.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures: lingering conversations after gatherings; discovering new recipes during travels or from friends; nurturing gifted plants into bloom; or assembling outfits that blended comfort with elegance—all reflections of how fully present she remained throughout life.

Lurline supported causes close to her heart including Smile Train, Heifer International, environmental initiatives, and children's organizations—living out those values daily through conservation efforts like recycling.

She was preceded in death by her parents Irving W. Willis and Ruth (Bryant) Willis; siblings Jerry Willis, Phillip Willis, and Julie McGhan; father-in-law Kingsley Gortner Sears Sr.; mother-in-law Ruby Sears; and daughter-in-law Mary Beth Sears.

Visitation will be held on May 21, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wysocki & Wilk Funeral Home located at 29440 Ryan Rd., Warren. A funeral service will follow on May 22 at First United Methodist Church of Warren at 5005 Chicago Rd., beginning at 11:00 AM with visitation prior starting at 10:00 AM.

Lurline will be remembered as a sweet soul full of strength—a woman who listened deeply, loved fiercely, learned constantly, gave generously, gardened joyfully—and lived fully.

May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

Donations may be made to any of her favorite groups: The 1st United Methodist Church, the Warren Garden Club (31616 Lexington St, Warren, MI 48092), Heifer International, or Smile Train.

Please share a memory, thought, or prayer with the family here on Lurline's Obituary Page Guestbook.