Kay Carolyn Sears, lovingly known as “Grandma Kay,” of Flora, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on Friday morning, March 27, 2026, at the age of 85.

      She was born September 8, 1940, in Warren, Arkansas, the daughter of Jim Ollie and Hattie Mae (Clark) Camp. Kay was previously married to Van Austin Brown in Monticello, Arkansas, and later to Jerry Leon Thurman in Flora. On December 9, 1989, she was united in marriage to Ted D. Sears in Sailor Springs. Together, they shared 20 years of marriage until his passing on March 1, 2008.

      Kay worked at Sparton Manufacturing in Flora and KSH Manufacturing before retiring from Flora Manor, where she served as a dietitian. She found joy in the simple, meaningful moments of life, especially the time she spent alongside Ted, whether lending a helping hand or simply being together. Kay was devoted to her family in every stage of life. When her sons were young, she proudly served as a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, always showing up with love, patience, and encouragement. In her later years, nothing brought her more happiness than supporting her grandchildren—cheering them on, showing up, and being a steady, loving presence they could always count on.

      She enjoyed going to rummage sales and auctions, always finding little treasures along the way. Kay loved fishing and spending time sitting outside, simply taking in the day. She especially treasured traveling back to Arkansas to visit family and the time spent together there. Above all, Kay will be remembered for her kind, loving, and caring heart, her outspoken nature, and her wonderful sense of humor. She had a gift for making others laugh and loved sharing stories with her grandchildren, creating memories they will carry with them always.

      Kay is survived by her children: Bob (Alicia) Brown of Hermitage, Arkansas; Rebecca Hildebrand of Flora; Leon (Amy) Thurman of Xenia; and Kyna (Stephanie) Sears of Newburgh, Indiana; her son-in-law, James Hildebrand of Flora; her grandchildren: Jimmy (Stephanie) Brown, April (Keith) Everhart, Dustin Brown, Justin (Ashlee) Hildebrand, Jarrad (Samantha) Hildebrand, Trevin Thurman, Rush (Leslie) Fitzwater, Jesse (Emilee) Fitzwater, Brennan (Lainey) Fitzwater, Justin Sears, Jeremy (Amelia) Sears, and Tyson Sears; and many great-grandchildren: Zander, Dax, Zac, Killian, Loxley, Ridge, Rylee, Mason, Jase, Ben, Ava, Parker, Emma, Wyatt, Hannah, Lorelai, Easton, Ellie, Grace, Ridge, Otto, Samuel, Dalton, Trevor, Aaleyah, Zayden, and Ezekial.

      She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sons, Jimmie Austin Brown and Kevin Sears; and her eight siblings: Jimmie Leon, Annie Estelle, Ella Lee, Thomas Edward, Mamie Jean, Robert, Pauline, and Shirley Ann Camp.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, with Richard Artis officiating. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 12 noon until 2 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with final expenses and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, please visit: www.frankandbright.com