Naomi Lavonne Spear

Naomi graduated in 1971 from Evangel College in Springfield, MO, with a degree in English and began her career teaching high school in Willard, OH. In 1977, she visited Oahu, HI, and decided to stay, continuing to teach high school English. While in Hawaii, Naomi married Fred Paladino. In 1981, the couple was transferred by the Air Force to Fairchild AFB, Spokane. In 1982 the couple divorced.

In 1985, she met Jim Spear. They married in 1991. Naomi obtained her MA in 1990 from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA. She continued to teach high school English in the Spokane area until she and Jim moved to Key Center, WA, on the Key Peninsula.

Naomi taught English and Alternative Education for Bremerton High School. She found her true calling in the Alternative Education system helping students to glimpse and “go for” their dreams and realize their individual worth. She retired from the school system in 2014.

Naomi loved all animals, especially cats, and could always be counted on to take in and nurture any stray that needed help. She also loved gardening and their beautiful home overlooking Carr Inlet and Glen Cove was awash in colorful roses and other flowers and plants. She was always happy to share her botanical and zoological knowledge with anyone with questions or problems.

Naomi was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister and brother-in-law: Faith and Reverend James Bryon from Akron, Ohio.

Naomi is survived by her husband, Jim; Brother – Reverend Paul (Norma) Dear; Nieces and Nephews – Debbie Dear, Steve (Holli) Dear, Rhoda Bryan, Sylvia (Christopher) Long as well as numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.

She will be missed by all that knew her. Her Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday August 19th at the Miller-Woodlawn Cemetery Chapel in Bremerton.