Melinda "Gail" Sears, 50, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away on August 22, 2025. She was born on October 23, 1974, in Knoxville, Tennessee, the daughter of William Lee Cloninger and Carol Ann Griffin Bennett.

Gail's greatest joy in life was her family. She poured her love into her children and grandchildren, making sure they always knew how cherished they were. She was her children's biggest cheerleader, never missing the chance to be present at their sporting events and milestones. As a grandmother, she delighted in every moment of play and laughter with her grandchildren, building memories they will hold close for a lifetime. Gail had a way of making every holiday magical and every family tradition feel sacred, ensuring her home was always filled with warmth and joy.

She also loved the simple pleasures of life, such as browsing yard sales and estate sales, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs (in good-natured rivalry with her Tennessee Vols–loving husband, Scott), and casting a fishing line beside him. For Gail, it wasn't about the activity itself but about the company; she simply loved being with the people who meant the most to her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Ronda McCarty, and her brother, Dennis Bennett.

She leaves behind the love of her life, her husband, Preston Scott Sears, Sr.; her children and their spouses, Leighann & Joel Farmer, Preston Scott Sears Jr., Joseph Prescott & Courtney Sears, Christian Rebecca Sears & Kristofer Yeats, and Hayden Drake Sears; and her grandchildren, who were the light of her life: Noah Prescott Sears, Madilyn Leigh Sears, Aubrianna Sephora Wetherbee, Mila Phoenix Sears, and Benjamin Michael Sears.

A funeral service honoring Gail's life will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Martin & Hightower Funeral Home with Pastor Fred Ricks officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday from 12:00 noon until the hour of service.

Messages of love and condolences may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to care for Gail and her family during this time.