Margaret Ann (Peddy) Sears 1940-2024

Margaret Ann (Peddy) Sears, the youngest child of John Carlton (JC) and Marguerite Peddy, was born Sept. 27, 1940 while the family was on a trip visiting relatives in Winnfield, La. She passed away Dec. 12, 2024 at age 84 at her home in Quitman. 

She graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas in 1959. Upon graduation she began her career in the corporate offices of JC Penney followed by a move to Sun Oil Company. She attended classes at Southern Methodist University focusing on skills that furthered her administrative career. She spent a brief year working for a publishing house in Chicago, Ill. before returning to Sun Oil in Dallas. In 1973 she joined Frito Lay corporate offices where she spent the remainder of her career, retiring after 24 years of service. 

While working at Frito Lay at Exchange Parkway in Dallas, she met her husband of 47 years, Michael Sears. They were married Jan. 14, 1977 and resided in Dallas until 1997 when their dream ranch was completed and they moved to Quitman.

She was a loving and dedicated wife, mother and granny. While she excelled in her career, rising to the highest levels and mentoring others along the way, her family always remained her top priority. Margaret delighted in time with her parents and sister Janet. She cherished her husband Mike, loving the life they built, especially their Christmas traditions. She adored her daughter Sherry; they shared a close bond rooted in love, encouragement and laughter. Her dedication to family blessed her with a loving relationship with her stepchildren Kay and Mike Jr. and a unique bond with each of her grandsons who brought her immense joy.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; brother, John Lee Peddy; and sister, Janet Marlene Betts.

She is survived by her husband, Mike; daughter, Sherry and son-in-law, Matt Carr and their sons Mason, his wife Taylor, Harrison and Evan; stepdaughter, Kay and son-in-law, David Hewitt and their sons Jake and Mark; stepson, Mike Sears Jr. and his wife Annette and their children Terry and Charlie; brother, William (Bill) Peddy; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 at Faith Baptist Church, 405 S. Hart St., Quitman at 3 p.m. There will be a reception after the service at Red Dome Restaurant, 619 S. Main St., Quitman. Flowers may be sent to Faith Baptist Church.