Dorothy Spear (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Dorothy Nell (Vincent) Spear, 94, of Halfway, Missouri, departed this Earth for her heavenly home on May 15, 2023 at Colonial Springs Healthcare Facility in Buffalo. Dorothy was born at Halfway, MO, July 20, 1928, to Leslie (Pete) and Opal (Case) Vincent. At the time of her passing, she was 94 years, 9 months, and 25 days old.
Dorothy attended school at Halfway and graduated with the class of 1946. Following graduation, she worked as a clerk at Wilson’s Store in Halfway. On September 21, 1947, she married Dennis Spear and they lived on their farm near Louisburg, MO.
In 1956, they moved to a farm north of Halfway where they resided until Dennis’ death in May, 2001, after more than 53 years of marriage. Dorothy remained on the farm almost 20 years before entering Colonial Springs Healthcare Facility on March 1, 2021.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and great-grandson, Tyler Jessen.
She is survived by five children: Denise Jessen(Don), Neosho; Diane Clark(Roger Bost), Colorado Springs; Donna Gaynor(Gaylord), Halfway; Doyle Spear(Ronda), Halfway, and Denelle Snodgrass(Galen), Buffalo; grandchildren Jeff Jessen(Alicia), Christine Peterson, Sarah Rovenstine (Chuck), Holly Jessen, Steven Gaynor (Regina), Melinda Jones (Casey), Michael Spear, Morgan Simpson (David), Grace Walker(Aaron), Dylan Dunn(Emily); great-grandchildren, Cassidy and Chelsea Regan, Brendan Lindley, Justin, Jarrett, and Hallie Rovenstine, Colt and Leslie Jones, Alyssa, Ashlynn, and Andrea Spear, Dakotah, Mason, and Bristol Simpson, great-great granddaughters Rykan Weaver and Brooklyn Walker, one brother Ellis Vincent(Jean) of Arizona, as well as many other relatives and friends.
Dorothy was saved as a young girl and was a member of Providence Missionary Baptist Church at the time of her passing. She was a devoted preacher’s wife and traveled many miles alongside Dennis as he pastored churches and held revival meetings primarily throughout Polk, Dallas, Hickory, and Jasper counties for more than 40 years. Dorothy kept a full calendar of people who received birthday cards each year until just a couple of years ago. Cards sent to kids usually included a stick of gum. If anyone was at the house at mealtime, they were invited to the table. Dorothy wanted people to feel welcome, and they did. She enjoyed embroidery and gave many sets of pillowcases as wedding gifts through the years. When she moved to Colonial Springs, she quickly made friends with other residents and employees. During her last few days, several employees made a special effort to visit “Miss Dorothy” a final time. All five of her children were gathered around her for her last Mother’s Day, and there were tears and laughter as a life well lived was remembered.
She is missed and will always be loved by her family and friends.
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