Sally Taylor Sears

Sally Taylor Sears passed away peacefully in the presence of her family, February 25, 2026, on her 78th birthday. She was born at St. Luke’s Hospital in Pasadena, CA on February 25, 1948, to Leonard Alfred Taylor and Virginia Lois Barton.

Sally was raised in Temple City, CA and lived there for more than 60 years. She moved to Glendora in 2010 to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She attended Temple City Schools and was very active in the school and community, serving as the Mayor of Londgen Elementary School, a member of student government and cheerleading at Oak Avenue Intermediate School and Temple City High School. She was a cheerleader for four years at the high school, participated in all of the dance concerts and the school’s first two musical productions. She also met her future husband Doug Sears while they were students at Oak Avenue School. Temple City’s annual Camellia Festival was usually held around her birthday and she participated in the first of many parades with her cousin, Rod Kingry in 1953. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout, as well as Worthy Advisor of Rainbow for Girls. Sally and her family were always active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

After high school, Sally attended Pasadena City College, where she earned an Associate of Arts Degree, a California Cosmetology License and was a member of the Pamphile Sorority. She then attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Dance. She attended Cal State, Los Angeles to obtain her life-time California Teaching Credential. Later she earned a Master of Arts Degree in Education from Azusa Pacific University.

After graduation from BYU and her return to Temple City, Sally was able to fulfil a dream, by being hired as a teacher at Temple City High School. She was a teacher at the high school for 36 years, during which time she taught Physical Education, dance, served as Pep and Choreography advisor, choreographed 25 high school musicals, and World History teacher. She also had the unique experience of teaching multiple subjects at the Adult School and the Dr. Doug Sears Learning Center during evenings and summer school. She was recognized by the High School PTA with the Honorary Service and the Continuing Service awards, as well as the Soroptimist International Woman of Distinction award and Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. She was a member and past President of Delta Kappa Gamma teacher’s society and PEO Chapter XL, a philanthropy that promotes and supports education for women. Sally was a doer and had a positive influence on thousands of students during her teaching career. She was also involved in the various school and athletic endeavors of her children and grandchildren. Sally retired from teaching in 2008.

Her family was her highest calling and she loved nothing more than being in their presence. She marveled at her two wonderful and accomplished children and amazing grandchildren and great grandchild. As Matriarch of the family, she planned and organized numerous family parties and celebrations at her home.

Sally and Doug loved to travel the world and logged over twenty ocean cruises. Her favorite destination was Hawaii, where she took numerous trips, the last just two weeks before she became ill. Unique experiences and stepping out of her comfort zone became a norm for Sally, especially in her younger life. Golf, tennis, snow skiing, winter mountaineering, rock climbing, backpacking, camping and fishing were experiences that she learned to love. She insisted on taking a family vacation every summer, no matter what may have been going on in life at the time. Balboa Island and the High Sierras were two of her favorite family destinations.

Sally is survived by her husband of 54 years Byron Douglas Sears, sister Nancy Donahue, daughter Shelby Brooke Crawford (Scott,) son Steven Taylor Sears (Samantha,) and grandchildren Taylor Grace Crawford, Samantha Riley Crawford, Lauren Crawford Williams (John,) Spencer Douglas Sears, Sydney Lynn Sears, and great-granddaughter Riley Grace Williams.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, March 11 at 3:00 pm., with a brief graveside service to follow at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, Hillside Chapel, Gate 17. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Sally’s memory to an animal rescue organization of your choice.