Laura Duff Spradley, age 78, passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2019 at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, after an extended illness. A gathering of friends and family will be held at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32312 on Sunday, July 7, 2019 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM with services to follow immediately, thereafter.
Laura was born in Clarksville, Missouri on December 24, 1940 to James A. and Laura E. Hunter Duff. She moved to Maryland after graduation from high school and worked for the FBI, where she met her future husband, Allan. Moving south to Florida in 1966, she and Allan made Tallahassee home where they married and raised two children, daughter, Tara, and son, Bryan. They created many fond memories with their square dancing group and loved playing cards with their extended family. Laura was a faithful fan of her FSU Seminoles and the Atlanta Braves. She made many special friends amongst her peers in both the FBI and the TPD.
Laura initially worked for Mayfield Dairies in Tallahassee. She worked many years for and retired from the Tallahassee Police Department where she was the Administrative Assistant to Chief Bill Scott. Chief Scott would say, “she was very efficient and helped me stay organized, giving me a card each day with an inspirational quote to help start my day. She always came in early to highlight important aspects of my schedule to be sure I got started on the right foot each day”.
After her retirement, Laura enjoyed supporting the many activities of her grandchildren, Delaney, Shayne and Shelby. As her health faded, she moved to Cairo, Georgia to live with her son and daughter-in-law.
Laura is preceded in death by her parents, James and Laura Duff; beloved husband of 46 years, Allan Spradley; in-laws, Mildred and Roscoe Spradley; niece, DeeDee Henderson Cavanaugh; and a great-nephew, Nathan Mancill.
Laura is survived by her children, son ,Bryan (Danielle) Spradley of Cairo, Georgia; and daughter, Tara (Garrett) Merlau of Tallahassee; grandchildren, Delaney Spradley of Cairo and Shayne and Shelby Merlau of Tallahassee; her sister, Jane (Andy) Rothove of Missouri; sisters and brothers-in-law, Carolyn and Reid Wilson, Barbara and Royce Henderson, Phyllis and Randall Spradley and Wylene and Lee Watts, all of Georgia; and numerous nieces, nephews and treasured friends.
The family would like to thank the staff of Magnolia Place, Kindred Hospice, Archbold Medical Center and her very special angels: Angelia, Lisa, Kinesha, Lynda and Lillie who helped care for Laura during her illness. Your gentle care and compassion for her is greatly appreciated.
Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
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