Sallie M Sears

Sallie M. Sears was born to Charlie and Bertha Manual McDaniel on October 22, 1925, in St. Petersburg, FL.  She was the second of three children.  The family lived in St. Petersburg and the surrounding area until Bertha’s death.  Upon her mother’s death, Sallie and her siblings, Calvin and Juanita, moved to Ocala, FL where they were raised by their grandfather and step grandmother and educated in Marion County Public Schools.
After giving her life to Christ, Sallie became a lifelong member of Mount Tabor AME church.  For many years, she served faithfully in the choir, singing the praises of her Lord and Savior.
At a young age, Sallie married (Frank Howell, Sr. deceased) and started a family. Later in life, she was remarried to Frank Sears, Sr. (deceased) and continued her legacy of love of family. 
 In addition to being a wife and mother, Sallie worked for many years as a private housekeeper before becoming employed by the Marion County school board as a school bus driver. Sallie served her community as a school bus driver for over 10 years before transitioning to employment in the county’s school food services.  She worked in the Vanguard High School Cafeteria until her retirement. 
Sallie had several interests outside of work.  She was a founding member of the Lucky Savings Club and enjoyed lifelong friendships with many of her club sisters.  In her younger years, she also participated in a bowling league. In her later years, she was inducted into the Order of Eastern Stars; she became a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; and she was inducted into The Daughters of the American Revolution, being a descendent of Patriot Ephraim Manual, her 4x great grandfather.  
One of Sallie’s pleasures was hunting for treasures in the local thrift shops! She also liked to read magazines and watch true crime stories.  She enjoyed eating spicy foods and breads of any kind (especially cornbread). She   could make a mean sweet potato pie or pot of chicken and rice, and she could fold laundry with perfection!   
For as long as most can remember, Sallie has been the matriarch of the family, and her greatest pleasure was being able to love on each family member.  Whether it was a simple day visit by a few or a grand holiday gathering by as many as could squeeze into her house, Sallie showed her love to everyone in both her immediate and extended family by either making a meal, providing a place to sleep, having warm conversation or just giving a big hug. 
Sallie’s heart of love spilled over into her interactions with friends and acquaintances.  She was selfless, caring, and true to her friends and welcoming to anyone she met. For everyone who knew her, she was a joy to be around.
In 2020, Sallie relocated to Windsor, CT to be cared for by her youngest daughter, Debra.   In CT, she worshipped at the First Cathedral Church and was a beloved client at the Caring Connection Adult Daycare Center.  
Sallie was blessed to have enjoyed a full life and to have created a legacy for her family.  She is predeceased by her husband, Frank Sears, Sr.; her sons, James Howell and Rashid Ali; her daughter, Carolyn Howell King; her sister, Juanita McDaniel Davis; and her brother, Calvin McDaniel.  The loved ones she leaves to cherish her memory are her  DAUGHTER, Debra Delane (Eric); 
BELOVED NIECE, Monica Davis-Griffin (Aldric, Sr.); 
GRANDCHILDREN, Felicia Atta-Biney (Francis); Carey Majors (Jessica); McDaniel Woods (Danika); Yolanda Bogan (Linzie); Hasan Ali (Beverly); Mansa Ali; Brian King (Krystal); Daphne Preston (Paul); Kevin Delane (Joanae); Jared Delane;
STEPDAUGHTER, Frenchie Edmonson (Daughter, Shanda);
STEPSON, Frank Sears, Jr. (Family);
GREAT NIECE, Monique Griffin;
GREAT NEPHEWS, Aldric Griffin, Jr.; Candy McDaniel;
BROTHERS-IN-LAW, Joseph Sears (Yvonne); Eugene Sears (Gloria);
CHERISHED GREAT GRANDCHILDREN; GREAT, GREAT GRANDCHILDREN; and GREAT, GREAT,GREAT GRANDCHILD;
BELOVED EXTENDED FAMILY MEMBERS, Lawanna Howell Duncan and Family; Gregory Howell and Family; Ann Dupree; Linda Stuart and Family; Jermele Jacobs and Family; Narvella Haynes and Family; Denise Robeson and Family; Letecia Edwards and Family;
And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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