Oairie Spivey

Oairie Spivey, 87, a Florida native and longtime resident of Jacksonville, passed away May 13, 2013. She was born in Jasper, Florida, the daughter of Andrew Wade Gill, Sr. and Ella (Umphries) Gill. Oairie moved to Jacksonville after high school to accept a Federal Civil Service position at Cecil Field Naval Air Station. She worked for the Federal Civil Service Naval Supply Department, Material Division for almost 40 years. After retiring from the Federal Government she continued to work well into her 70’s, ending her working career as a Bailiff in the Jacksonville Municipal Court system. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, Jacksonville for over 50 years. Even though she had difficulty attending church recently due to the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, her Sunday School class stayed in touch diligently. She greatly enjoyed the fellowship and spiritual nurturing of her fellow class members. Oairie will be remembered fondly by many friends and relatives as a great Southern cook. She showed her love and appreciation to many through her treasured recipes for home cooked meals and desserts. She was the epitome of the Southern Living cook. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Daniel Spivey, Sr. in 1980. Surviving are her son, Daniel Spivey, Jr. and a daughter, Brenda Walberg and her husband, Bruce Justice, three grandchildren, Brian and Lindsay Walberg and Gillian Justice, and five great-grandchildren. The family would like to acknowledge the comfort and support of Reverend Steve McCollum of First Baptist Church who consistently visited not only with Oairie but her family over an extended hospitalization and illness. Many members of her Sunday School class at First Baptist Church have called to offer their help and support throughout her recent hospitalization. A heartfelt thank you to all. The family will greet guests for visitation on Friday, May 17 from 6 - 8pm at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207. The funeral will be at 1:00pm Saturday, May 18, 2013 at the funeral home with burial following at Greenlawn Cemetery. Donations in her name may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hardagegiddenshendricksave.com.