Kathy Spires

Kathy Spires, 70, passed away suddenly but peacefully on Saturday, October 24, 2026. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of Christ, Kathy lived a life marked by love, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to her family and others.

Born in Fairbanks, Alaska, Kathy was the daughter of the late Billy Lealand Foster and Bertha Joiner Foster. Growing up in a military family, she spent much of her childhood living in different parts of the world, including Okinawa, Japan. A 1974 graduate of Airport High School, Kathy met the love of her life, Randy, during her senior year. Together, they built a beautiful life and celebrated 48 years of marriage.

Kathy earned her degree as a Dental Assistant from Midlands Technical College and worked at Midlands Dental for eight years before devoting the next 20 years to raising her daughters, Jennifer and Jessica. In 2001, she joined First Baptist Church of Columbia as a Ministry Assistant, where she faithfully served for 25 years in the Children's, Music, Pastoral Care, and Senior Adult Ministries, building lasting relationships and sharing her love for Christ through service to others.

Kathy had a gift for hospitality and a heart for serving others. Her home was always open, and she found joy in feeding people, bringing them together, and making everyone feel welcome. Direct but compassionate, she spoke the truth with love and was always willing to show up for someone in need. Whether family, friends, or someone she hadn't seen in years, distance never mattered when someone needed her.

Kathy had a lifelong love of learning and a natural curiosity about the world around her. An avid reader, she was always eager to explore new subjects and deepen her knowledge of the things that interested her. She also loved to travel, enjoying adventures to Greece, Israel, and Hawaii, as well as treasured trips to the beach.

As a grandmother, Kathy was her grandchildren's biggest fan. She rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on, celebrate their accomplishments, or simply spend time together. Her journey as a grandmother began with her first granddaughter, Allison, and each of her grandchildren held a special place in her heart.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Randy R. Spires; daughters, Jennifer Horton (Lee) and Jessica Elkins (Michael); grandchildren, Alex and Bella Horton, and Jack, Jennings, and Mila Elkins; brother, Lee Foster; and sister, Dianne Rankin. She was preceded in death by her parents and her precious first granddaughter, Allison Elkins, with whom her family finds comfort in knowing she has been reunited in Heaven.

Kathy will be remembered for her open home, giving heart, steadfast faith, and the way she loved and showed up for others. Though deeply missed, her family rejoices in knowing she is now at peace in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A celebration of Kathy's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 30, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Columbia, with a reception to follow. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Columbia Music Ministry.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com