Frances M. Sears

Frances M. Sears, 86, resident of United Zion Retirement Community, and formerly of Strasburg, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026, into her forever home with her Lord and Savior. Born in Rural Retreat, VA, she was the daughter of the late Albert Rhea Yonce and Mamie Fogelsong Yonce. She is survived by a brother, John D. Yonce (married to Susanna), three nieces and a nephew. She was predeceased by her twin brother, Franklin Yonce (married to Shirley).

She was a graduate of the former East Lampeter High School and Millersville University.

Frances taught in the School District of Lancaster for 30 years, teaching at Washington and Wickersham Elementary Schools. Her teaching experience included grade 4 Gifted Program, and 2nd, 3rd and 5th grades.

While with Berean Mission, she taught 5th grade at Doris Todd Memorial Christian School in Maui, Hawaii. She also served three years with Berean Mission's bookstore ministry in Maui, which included a Tell Me a Story telephone ministry and sending and correcting Mail Box Club lessons.

She served three years with Bible Visuals International writing activities for the Visualized Bible for the New Testament Volumes 1-22, and worked on lessons for Give-A-Vision for Missions units on the Latin World, Muslim World and Chinese World. She also helped to field test the materials at various churches.

Frances was a longtime member of Paradise Bible Fellowship Church being involved in teaching in the Children's Department of Sunday School for 23 years, directing and teaching VBS, and service on the Global Ministry Team and Christian Education Committee.

She also served on the Missions Rally Committee for the conference-wide rally of all the Bible Fellowship Churches held each May.

Frances volunteered with Ambassadors for Christ. She volunteered and later worked as a legislative aid to Representative Bryan Cutler.

She enjoyed gardening, photography, traveling with friends, and her travels included Japan and Alaska.

Graveside services will be private for family. The public is invited to a Celebration of Life hosted by Frances' church family scheduled Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 10:00AM, at Paradise Bible Fellowship Church, 3092 Lincoln Highway, Paradise, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frances' memory to Caring Hospice Services of Central PA, 101 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603.

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