Durham, North Carolina

October 26, 1958 - February 4, 2024

Kathryn Ann Byerly Searles Obituary

Durham: Kathryn Ann Byerly Searles, 65, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 4, 2024 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Kathy was a bright light, always enthusiastic and kind, with a warm heart for the people and animals she loved at every stage of her life. Born in Durham, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Charles Tate Byerly Jr. and Iris Jordan Byerly.

Kathy is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of 43 years, Tim Searles; daughter, Jordan Searles Hains; son-in-law, Drew Hains; grandchildren, Levi Hains and Charlie Ann Hains; mother- and father-in-law Rick and Georgie Searles; sister, Lynne Byerly Griffin (Bill); nieces, Elizabeth Griffin Moore (Clint) and Mary Griffin Currin (Derrick); her Dalmatian, Jake and granddogs Cole and Emma; and many wonderful extended family members and friends.

Kathy graduated from UNC School of Education and began her career as a much-loved 3rd grade teacher. She drew upon her own Durham Public Schools upbringing in her work with children over 17 years at Merrick-Moore Elementary School. She later shared her talents as the accounting manager at ShopBot Tools for 25 years.

But she would have defined her life not by her jobs, but by those she loved. Over the last decade, she devoted herself to caring for her aging parents with kindness and grace as they closed out their lives. She found tremendous joy in being an on-site grandmother to Levi and Charlie Ann, making the most of every moment she had with them. She was a great listener, with an extraordinary talent for making everyone she encountered feel special. Just a week ago, she gathered a group of lifelong girlfriends together for lunch, laughter and storytelling. Simply put, Kathy loved.

Kathy adored the beach, animals, long talks with friends, Duke basketball, and spending time with her beloved family. Though her passing leaves an enormous hole in our hearts, we are comforted knowing she was embraced with hugs from her parents and wagging tails from all her many fur babies… and maybe a cheeseburger in paradise.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 9th at Duke Memorial United Methodist Church. A private burial will occur at a later date.

The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences can be made at www.clementsfuneralservice.com.