Betty Kay Heacker

Sumter, SC…………… Betty Kay Sears Heacker, age 83, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on February 6, 2025.

 She was born to Carl and Erma Sears on January 14, 1942, in Miami, OK. She grew up in Southeast Texas, the baby sister to brothers Max Eugene Sears and Lew Wayne Sears. She married James Heacker and they shared three children, Elizabeth Kay, Carl Benjamin, and Amy Suzanne. After retiring from teaching in Texas, she moved to Sumter, South Carolina to be near her children and grandchildren. She taught again for several years before reconnecting with her childhood sweetheart, Rudy Miller, at their 50th high school reunion. They were married on July 3, 2011, and have lived a real-life fairy tale every day since.

Betty was affectionally known as a shining light by all who knew her. She lived her life with a servant’s heart. She spent 48 years as a teacher in multiple grade levels, specializing in reading. Betty taught Sunday School for many years and was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma chapter for educators. She was loved and cherished by any and every student who walked into her classroom. Betty was a trusted friend and confidant, frequently sought out for her sage advice, honest and humor-drenched perspective, and quick witted commentary on life. Her journey on this earth was marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, students, and many more whose lives were forever changed by knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her parents Carl and Erma Sears and her brother Max Eugene Sears.  She is survived by her husband Rudy Miller, brother Lew Wayne Sears, children Betsy Conner (Wes), Ben Heacker (Shelly), Amy Morse (Rick), Michael Miller (Laura), Melissa Scott (Jay), and Matthew Miller. Her legacy continues with 18 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 9th, 2025, at 4:00pm at St. Mark’s Methodist Church.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 3-4pm, Sunday, February 9th, 2025, at St. Mark’s Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to St. Marks Methodist Church, 27 Broad Street, Sumter, SC 29150.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.  

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