Shirley Mae Spears

Shirley Mae Spears- Big Stone Gap Shirley Mae Spears, 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Lee Health and Rehabilitation Center in Pennington Gap, Virginia. Born on April 23, 1938, in Wise County, Shirley was the daughter of the late Worley and Mary Phipps. She was one of eleven children. Shirley worked for many years as a cook at Mutual Pharmacy before retiring from Lonesome Pine Hospital. Known for her warm hospitality and unforgettable cooking, she was famous for her Watergate salad, “out of this world” cake, homemade hot dog chili, and comforting chicken and dumplings dishes that brought family and friends together and will be dearly missed at every gathering. Widowed at a young age, Shirley courageously raised four children on her own. She was strong, independent, kind, and deeply rooted in faith. She listened without judgment, gave advice with grace, and loved unconditionally. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, friend, aunt, and servant of God, Shirley touched every life she encountered with compassion and quiet strength. A lifelong member of New Hope Assembly of God, Shirley devoted countless hours to her church family preparing and serving meals in the fellowship hall and sharing in joyful fellowship. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Eckle Spears; nine siblings; and a great-great-grandson, Cole Williams. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Les Spears (Beth) of Southport, NC, Keeta Dickenson (Roger) of Dryden, VA, Michael Spears (Margie) of Wake Forest, NC, and Connie Ricker (Rick) of Georgetown, TX., her sister, Barbara Boggs of Ewing, VA; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Webb (Arvil) of St. Charles, VA; Rhonda Elkins (Denvy) of London, KY; Yvonne Scoggins of Youngsville, NC; Nikki Spears-D’Innocenzo (Tony) of Youngsville, NC; Jason Spears (Koral) of Bolivia, NC; Emily Dickenson of Dryden, VA; and Michael Spears (Jenny) of New Bern, NC along with fourteen great-grandchildren and twelve great-great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at New Hope Assembly of God (1405 First Ave E. Big Stone Gap, VA 24219) A funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Rick C. Whitten officiating in the church sanctuary. Graveside services will be conducted following at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. ( 5650 Powell Valley Rd. Big Stone Gap, VA) Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. To honor her faith and service, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made toward a scripture plaque to be placed in the church fellowship hall in her memory. Additional funds received will support other church needs in Shirley’s name, continuing her legacy of love and service. Mail memorial contributions to: New Hope Assembly of God Shirley Spears Memorial Fund 1405 First Avenue E Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 An online guest registry is available for the family at www.holdingfuneralhome.com Holding Funeral Home of Big Stone Gap, is in charge of the Arrangements.

Shirley Mae Spears

April 23, 1938 - October 13, 2025

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