It is with deep sadness and profound gratitude that we honor the life of Mrs. Joan Searcy — a beloved friend, tireless volunteer, and steadfast supporter of Ascension Seton Hays. Joan’s dedication to others was woven into every part of her life, and her kindness touched countless patients, families, and associates.
A Lifelong Calling to Serve
Joan’s connection to the Seton family began decades ago when her church in Austin offered free childcare one morning a week. Joan used that time to volunteer at Seton Medical Center Austin — a small act that grew into a lifelong commitment to helping others.
When Joan and her husband, Tom, moved to a ranch in Kyle after his retirement, they embraced the slower pace of Hays County but never slowed in their service. At the time, the area’s healthcare resources were limited — just one doctor in Kyle and one in Buda. So when they learned Seton was building a hospital in Kyle, Joan became a founding volunteer and helped recruit others for the new facility.
For more than 25 years as a Seton volunteer — and over 2,300 hours at Ascension Seton Hays alone — Joan offered comfort, compassion, and a welcoming smile to everyone she met. She most often served in the Emergency Department, one of the busiest areas of the hospital, alongside Tom. Joan greeted patients with a warm smile, brought comfort with pillows and blankets, and lent a helping hand to ease the workload of nurses and doctors. She was known for her humility – describing herself as “the best gofer you can find” – but to patients and staff alike, she was a source of comfort, kindness, and calm in moments of need.
Investing in the Future of Care
Joan’s legacy extends far beyond her volunteer work. In 2014, she and Tom created the Searcy Family Health Professions Scholarship Endowment. To date, this endowment has provided 38 scholarships to Ascension Seton Hays associates pursuing careers in healthcare, helping to grow the next generation of caregivers.
The Searcys also provided the final funding for the Searcy Family Learning Center at Ascension Seton Hays, creating a space for continuous staff education.
When asked why they gave so much of their time and resources, Joan and Tom’s answer was simple: “If you’ve been blessed enough to have something to give… give back.” Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched — in the patients she comforted, the associates she supported, and the caregivers inspired by her example.
You can honor Joan’s memory with a donation to the Searcy Family Health Professions Scholarship Endowment.