Obituaries
John D. Spears
John Dayton Spears died Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022 after an extended illness. He was at home with his wife by his side.
John was a native of Mississippi and he had lived most his entire life in the area. He was a retired data processor working for the Leon County Board of Commissioners. John attended Timberlane Church of Christ, he loved the outdoors and taking care of his yard. When his boys were young he often would take them fishing.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Charlene Spears; sons, Matthew Dayton Spears and his wife Jill, Lucas John Spears and his wife Kaci; his two brothers Jerry Spears and Phillis, Danny Spears and Lana; six grandchildren, Olivia, Reece, Bowden, Bailey, Dayton and Johnny.
He was predeceased by his parents John and Geraldine Spears.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022 at 12 noon at Family Funeral Home in Harvey Young Chapel, The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service starting at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at the Duggar Cemetery on East Ivan Road.
Skip and Trey Young along with Paula and Kimberly are assisting the family. Family Funeral Home at Harvey Young Chapel, 850-926-5919 www.familyfhc.com
Barbara A. Spears
Barbara Addison Spears, 87, of Spring Creek, passed away very unexpectedly on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022.
Barbara will be remembered for her devotion to her family and friends. She was a bus driver for Wakulla County Schools for many years. She also ran her family business, Lee N. Spears and Sons Seafood, alongside her husband and children. They provided delicious seafood to our community for decades. She and her family also operated the West Goose Creek Seineyard for a long time. She was a member of Shady Sea Baptist Church.
Barbara is survived by her children, Lee Spears, Mitch Spears and Annette Spears Clark and her husband Louis; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, Lee Nell Spears; daughter, Debra Nell; and son, Brian. They were reunited just in time for Christmas.
The family received friends on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, prior to the funeral service at 12 noon. She was laid to rest at Debra Nell Cemetery.
Skip and Trey Young along with Paula and Kimberly are assisting the family. Family Funeral Home at Harvey Young Chapel, 850-926-5919 www.familyfhc.com
A news story on Barbara Spears appears in Community
Irene Carter Payne
Irene Carter Payne stepped into eternity Saturday afternoon, December 24, 2022, to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ and redeemed family. During her peaceful passing at home, her family was with her and witnessed the end of her journey here on this earth. As a lifelong resident of Medart, she departed this life a half of a mile from where she entered it on July 16, 1941. The fourth of five children to the late Herbert and Stella Mae Young Carter, she was devoted to Christ and her family. She loved her family sacrificially and was committed to them wholeheartedly.
She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a devoted teacher at Shadeville Elementary for over 30 years and taught 3rd, 4th and 5th grades and spent many years teaching reading. Mrs. Payne was loved by her students and all who knew her. She exemplified the love of Christ in all she did, and she was a faithful Christian servant. One of her favorite Bible verses was Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.”
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, William “Bill” Payne; her daughter Susan (Chuck) Turner; her oldest son, Mark (Ann); and her baby, Paul (Patrea). She is also survived by her grandchildren (listed oldest to youngest) Annabeth, Landon, Ansley, Adeline, Ayden Grace, Mary Abigail, Paul Jr., William, and Stone; her sister, Cassie (Paul) Etheridge plus many nephews and nieces. She was greatly loved by her family.
She was predeceased by her father, Herbert Carter; mother, Stella Mae Young Carter; her brothers, Kenneth and R.H.; and her sister Fay Wood.
Her visitation and service will be held in her lifelong church of Friendship Primitive Baptist Church, 165 Friendship Church Road in Crawfordville. She was raised in this church, married there, raised her children there, and her funeral services will be held there.
Visitation is Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Service is Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, at 11 a.m. with internment at Friendship Memorial Garden.
Skip and Trey Young along with Paula and Kimberly are assisting the family. Family Funeral Home at Harvey Young Chapel, 850-926-5919 www.familyfhc.com