Alice Nadine Spears

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” - Matthew 19:14

This verse reflects Jesus’ love for the innocent and reminds us that entering God’s kingdom requires a heart of childlike faith, humility, and trust. It beautifully reflects Nadine’s gentle spirit and the way she loved so purely and faithfully.

Alice Nadine Spears, known and loved as Nadine, of Hughson, California, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026 at the age of 93, while her granddaughters Michelle and Brittany held her hands.

Nadine was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of God. A lifelong resident of the Central Valley and a cherished member of the Hughson community, she lived a life defined by love, resilience, faith, and family. She was a devoted member of Assembly of God Hughson, where her life was rooted in prayer and her faith was lived daily through kindness, compassion, and unwavering devotion to others.

She was born in Anderson, Missouri, and spent her early childhood on a farm until the age of eight, when a devastating tornado destroyed her family’s home. With strength and determination, her parents, Sherman and Geraldine Drake, moved the family to California’s Central Valley, where they lived in a train caboose while building their home. These early experiences shaped Nadine’s strength, humility, and deep appreciation for life.

Nadine met and married her first husband, Vernon Thompson, and together they built a life on a peach farm in Denair, where they raised their two sons. After Vernon’s passing from ALS, Nadine continued forward with strength and grace. She later married Arvel Spears, and they shared many loving years together until his passing in 2011.

Nadine had a joyful spirit that was felt by everyone around her. She was always singing, laughing, and welcoming others with warmth. She loved to socialize and had a natural way of bringing people together. She cherished time with her family, especially taking her children and grandchildren to church on Sundays, bringing them to church events, camping in the summer, and proudly showing up for their school functions.

She was deeply involved in the everyday lives of her grandchildren. She took them to school, picked them up, and made dinners for them throughout the week. Her home was a place of calm, safety, and unconditional love. There, memories were made climbing trees, playing games, and

simply being together. Every holiday was spent with her, where she lovingly prepared traditional meals for the entire family, creating moments that will be cherished forever.

She had a passion for cooking and proudly claimed she made the best fried chicken around, something her family would lovingly agree with. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, connection, and cherished memories.

Above all, Nadine celebrated and deeply loved her children and grandchildren with her whole heart, carrying that love with her to the very end.

She is survived by her siblings Betty Mason of Hughson and Bill (Barbara) Drake of Ceres; her sons Gary Thompson and Robert Thompson of Hughson; her grandchildren Michelle (Jeremy) Avery of Turlock, Brittany (Ryan) Caraveo of Hilmar, Andrew Thompson of Canton, Mississippi, Lorrie (Ryan) Smith of Madison, Mississippi, Cheri Gagnier of Hughson, and Jayme (Chuck) Birdsong of Don Pedro; her many great-grandchildren Aurora, Rawling, Easton, Ripken, Nokona, Leah, Savanah, Lily, Ava, Ethan, Alyssa, Kylee, Charlie, Wyatt, Conor, Kaden, and Carson; and her first great-great-grandchild Everette.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sherman and Geraldine Drake; her husbands Vernon Thompson and Arvel Spears; and her brother Jack Drake.

Nadine will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her loving heart, and the joy she brought into the lives of those who knew her. Her legacy of love and devotion will continue to live on through her family.

A viewing will be held on April 13, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Lakewood Memorial Park and Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on April 14, 2026 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the same location, followed by a graveside service from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A reception will follow at Assembly of God Hughson, where food and refreshments will be provided.