Maurice Delbert Sears, Jr.

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Maurice Delbert Sears, Jr. age 78 peacefully passed away May 25, 2023. Maurice was the result of a union between Maurice Sears, Sr. (deceased) and Verna Louise (deceased). After Maurice’s father passed, his beloved mother married Allen Callahan.

Affectionately known as “Spuddy,” Maurice was a force of nature! His presence lit up the room and there was no denying his charisma and personality. It was in Cleveland that he began his life’s journey. He attended and graduated from East Technical High School. In September of 1961, Maurice enlisted in the United States Army and served in Korea until 1964. When he returned to the states, Maurice (an avid lover of cars) took his 1965 candy apple red Mustang down East 93rd Street, and much to his delight, he saw a young lady that he recognized from Rawlings Junior High. He slowed down, leaned over in the car, and said with a smile, “Hey…are you Cassandra Walker?” With caution, she responded, “Yes, I am.” Well…that was the beginning of a beautiful journey that lasted over 56 years.

On an unusually warm day in winter, Maurice and Cassandra were married on January 21, 1967. To this union, two children were born: Michelle and Leslie Ann. They both adored their dad and cherished every moment they had with him. He took both girls to his job at Channel 8 News and proudly showed them off to his colleagues. Michelle fondly remembers how he taught her to roller skate and how he would try to impress her with his tricks. However, the highlight was her dad taking her to see Michael Jackson on tour which was Michelle’s very first concert…just she and her dad. Leslie has memories of Steely Dan playing in the basement of their home and how they danced together. He would lift her on top of his strong shoulders and spin her around.

Maurice’s family and loved ones describe him this way: a voracious reader of all types of books (fiction and nonfiction), a competitive chess player, a lover of music with Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue” and Steely Dan playing endlessly throughout his home. Maurice also enjoyed challenging his mind with crossword puzzles and getting into “friendly” debates with others on political issues. But there’s nothing he loved more than raising his two daughters and having the love of his life, Cassandra, by his side as they built their hopes and dreams together! Of course, a close second was the joy he had watching his grandchildren achieve immeasurable success! What incredible memories we all have of Maurice. It is impossible to have just one page that reflects the lifetime of wisdom and knowledge he poured into his family and friends.

He impacted everyone he met, and for those who knew him well, they can attest to the fact that he never met a stranger. He used his God-given talents of compassion and understanding to mentor young people. Maurice believed that education was the great equalizer and believed that it was young people who had the power to uplift communities and families.

Maurice was a loving, devoted husband and it was obvious how much he and Cassandra loved and adored each other. By their example, they showed their children, family, and friends the true meaning of love and selflessness. What a gift…to have a love that endured for over five decades.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory: his dearly cherished wife, Cassandra; his two beloved daughters, Michelle (Randi) and Leslie Ann (Terence); two brothers, Michael (Vi Lai) Sears and Donald (Louise) Callahan; three sisters, Carmela (Carl) Carter; Ellen Callahan; and Rose (Tylon) Davis; six grandchildren, Raven Michelle (Jeffery) Thomas; Randi “McKenzie” Thomas; Robert “Maurice” Thomas; Terri Michelle Randolph; Alexandria Joyce Randolph; and William Logan Randolph; one great-grandchild, Marley Rae Thomas. His sister, Katherine, predeceased him.

Maurice always held his faith, family, and friends close to his heart. Let’s honor and celebrate his legacy by holding his spirit and zest for life in our hearts. 

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