Barbara Jean Spear, 93, passed away peacefully in her sleep Monday, September 26, 2022, at her home in Hoover, AL. Her daughters Debbie and Denise and great granddaughters Haleigh and Destiny dutifully and affectionately cared for her in her final days.
One of six children of Louis and Julia McGee, she was born in 1929 in Washington, IN. She married Robert James Spear in 1949 and the couple had three children. The family resided at numerous locations throughout the United States, primarily in the South; in Greensboro, NC, Atlanta, GA and for the past 50+ years, AL, briefly in Mobile, then in metro Birmingham.
Barbara was widowed in August 1995 by the passing of the love of her life, Robert, a retired executive of Cummins (Engine Company) Alabama, Inc. They were married 46 years.
She was a devout member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church and worked with Father Mulvaney, as Church Secretary, in the establishment of the parish. She was also active in the Church’s Hilltopppers Group. She was always ready to greet her fellow seniors and play bingo. A wise, wonderful and caring sibling, wife and mother, Barbara was devoted to her family, faith and friends. She loved them all unequivocally, as well as Indiana corn, the Indiana State Fair, the Indianapolis 500, NASCAR driver Jeff Gordan, Coach Nick Saban and his Alabama Crimson Tide (although not in that order!). Roll Tide!
Barbara is survived by son David Spear (Peggy) of Independence, OR; Debbie Spear, Denise McBay and Molly, her black Lab and devoted ice cream buddy, all of Hoover, AL; four grandchildren Kate Spear, Shaun McBay (Angela), Shannon McBay (Brittany), Chrystina Spear; six great-grandchildren Destiny McBay, Haleigh McBay, Luke McBay, Miles McBay, Sheldon Boyd (Macey}, William Kates; her sisters Rosemary Mitchell and Ordette Jones (Tom), her brother Danny McGee, all of Indiana; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers Donnie McGee and Louie McGee and great-grandchild Shelby Boyd.
Arrrangements are through Southern Heritage Funeral Home. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 9AM with Mass at 10AM at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. Graveside services will follow at Southern Heritage Cemetery.
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