×

The Rev. Andrea F. Jones Sears

Andrea F. Jones Sears passed into glory Saturday, June 19, 2021, at her home in Lake Placid.

Born Nov. 9 1937, in Brant Lake to Leon L. Jones and Bertha Fero Jones, she attended Horicon Central School and graduated from Filmore High School. She briefly attended Russell Sage College of Nursing before marrying Maj. Robert J. Sears on May 2, 1959. She was best remembered by her extraordinary life of service. She dedicated her mind and spirit to God, country, community and her family. Her indomitable sense of humor and infectious joy were among her greatest gifts, and we were blessed to have enjoyed them.

Service was second nature to her and part of being a devoted Air Force wife. She actively served in the chaplaincy. She had many duties over the years, one of which dealt with the returning POWs from Vietnam. She provided support to the POWs and their families as they were reunited in the States.

In July 1977, Robert retired from active duty, and they came to reside in Lake Placid, Robert’s hometown, where her life of service continued. Andrea was a very active member of the Adirondack Community Church in Lake Placid. Andrea also worked at UMC, Ulhlein Mercy Center, in Lake Placid, being best known as the activities director. She firmly felt UMC needed to be a part of the community and helped bridge the gap in many ways, one of which was developing charity shows at UMC — many may remember her as Adirondack Aggie Garnet — to help raise money for those in need. She also took able residents out into the community.

She retired in late 2000. In 2001 she started theological studies at Drew University. Andrea became pastor of the United Methodist Church, serving in Bloomingdale at the Methodist Church until health issues required her to retire.

She is survived by her children and their families: her daughter Phyllis Sears Grady and her husband Thomas of Malone; her son Mark D. Sears and his wife Susan Bailey of St. Regis Falls and their children Sam, Christie, Stephanie, Jessica, Timothy, William and Aleesha, with seven great-grandchildren and one on the way; her son Robert Joel Sears and his wife Debbie of Granville and their children Samuel, Joshua, Caleb, Micah, Eden and Anna; and her daughter Katherine Sears Sweet of Lake Placid and her children Sara and Jazmine. She is also survived by two sisters, Beverly Jones Somerville of Glens Falls and Barbara Jones LaFond of Lake George; one sister-in-law, Alice Sears Day of Lake Placid; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held at the Adirondack Community Church in Lake Placid on Friday, June 25 from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by a funeral service at 12:30 p.m. The Rev. Derek Hansen will officiate. Burial will follow at North Elba Cemetery in Lake Placid.

Donations in memory of Rev. Andrea Sears can be made to the Lake Placid Volunteer Ambulance Service, American Cancer Society or a church of your choice.

The M.B. Clark Inc. Funeral Home in Lake Placid is in charge of arrangements. Relatives and friends are invited to share a memory, upload a photograph or leave condolences at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com.