1940
2015
Mary Frances Gaylor Spear, beloved wife, cherished mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 23, 2015.
Mary Frances was born on January 30, 1930 in Kinston, NC to Charles and Mary Manning Gaylor. She was the fourth of 7 children. She graduated from Grainger High School. On April 3, 1960, she married her childhood sweetheart, William Thomas Spear (Tommy). They celebrated 55 years of marriage this year. Their son, William T. Jr., was born in 1961.
Her gift from God was her love of children, and she dedicated herself to being a devoted mother, grandmother, den mother to cub scouts, pre-school teacher, kindergarten teacher and teacher's assistant.
She had a wonderful gift for decorating and flower arranging. After moving with Tommy to Williamsburg in 1984, they were fortunate to be able to live in the William Lightfoot Townhouse on Duke of Gloucester St. Her collection of folk art and antiques were so remarkable. During their 17 years there, her home was selected to be part of the Garden Club Christmas tours twice and a Spring Garden Tour. She was very proud to be awarded three blue ribbons for her Historic Area Homes Christmas Decorations
Mary Frances was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Charles and Bobby; sisters, Jean Guthrie and Virginia Dunn.
She is survived by her husband, Tommy; son, Will; daughter-in-law, Susan; two wonderful granddaughters, Megan and Olivia who were her greatest joy; her two sisters, Marilyn Rouse and Joyce Fredrick; and a very special sister-in-law, Jennifer Gaylor. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends who celebrated life with her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Joseph's Indian School, 1301 North Main St., Chamberlain, SD 57325.
Online condolences may be offered at www.nelsencares.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 6, 2015
Martin Cheney
So sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. May God bless you as you continue your walk through this life until that glorious resurrection.
November 5, 2015
Kathy Gaylor Potter
Uncle Tommy, You continue to be in our thoughts and hope the continued love and support from your family and friends gives you comfort. There was no one like Aunt Mary Francis and the California Gaylors have many wonderful memories of you both from Kinston to Williamsburg. We love you....
November 4, 2015
Billy Moore
Tommy, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
November 4, 2015
Anne Caroon Stapleford
Tommy, please accept my sympathy for your loss. It is hard to lose a spouse - trust in the Lord to see you through this difficult time and He will give you peace.
November 4, 2015
So very sorry for your loss.
Pauline Haddock Hughes
November 4, 2015
Donna Meschke
As I remember Frances was a very nice and sweet person.I know she will be missed but she will be in the hearts of you and your family.
November 3, 2015
Tommy, Frances and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and family.
John Civils
November 3, 2015
Our sympathy and prayers go out to you, Tommy, and your family. She was one of my favorite classmates.
Bob Moore, Kinston, NC
Marjorie K. Moore, Kinston, NC
November 3, 2015
Lynn Woolard
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers in the loss of Mary Francis.
Lynn and Jodie Woolard
November 3, 2015
Johnny Harvey
Tommy, I am so sorry for your loss. I share with Mary the love of beautiful antiques. I hope you and your family are doing well..
November 3, 2015
Jane Walter
Tommy, so sorry to hear of Mary Frances' passing. I remember how sweet she was when Herbie, Kay Johnson and I visited you both many years ago and you gave us the special tour of Williamsburg. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jane Bizzell Walter
November 2, 2015
Elizabeth Chantry
Tommy, My so enjoyed visiting with you and your wife on their frequent trips to Williamsburg. Your wife was a joy...so sorry to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers arewith you and yours
November 2, 2015
Teresa Ponziani
Tom, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. We all loved Mary Frances and will miss her very much. God bless you and your family.
November 2, 2015
George Tennille
Tommy & Will....
Sylvia and I loved Mary Frances and will miss her dearly. Her smile and warmth are some of our fondest memories. Our annual trips to Williamsburg were always special because of the time you all shared with us. We love you and hold you, along with all the Spears and Gaylors in a special place in our hearts. Fondly, Sylvia and George
November 1, 2015
Philip Bailey
Mr. Spear, It was sad to hear your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the Spear family.
October 30, 2015
Dear Tommy,
I am so sorry to hear about Mary Frances. She was always one of my favorite people at CW. My heart goes out to you and Will,Susan and your grand daughters. I am grateful that old friends keep me up on what is happening since we are in South Carolina.
God bless you all.
Love,
Carolyn Simpson
October 30, 2015
Jane Hanson
Tom, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved wife. Praying for you and your family and please know that you are loved by many... not only your family but your many friends and colleagues at CW. May the peace of God be with you.
October 29, 2015
Carson Hudson
Tom,
I just learned of your loss. I am so sorry, as I know you loved Mary Frances greatly. My wife and I are thinking of you, Will, and Susan.
October 26, 2015
Hart Haynes
Tom I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
October 26, 2015
I am so very sorry for your loss Tom. God has called notherr of his Angels home.Becky Getkin
October 26, 2015
Chris Wright
Tom, I wish I could find words that would make this less painful for you, I would certainly speak them. I pray that you'll find them & please know you are in our warmest thoughts & prayers.
October 26, 2015
Michael Monaco
Tom, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are very sorry for your loss, and we know that Mary Frances is beyond suffering, and at peace with the Lord.
Michael & Shari Monaco
October 26, 2015
Melissa Blank
Tom, my deepest sympathies for you and your family. I pray that God will carry you through this difficult time.
October 26, 2015
Karen Joyce
Tom, I am so sad to hear of the passing of your wife, life-long partner and friend and hope you know that your friends at CW are here for you!
October 26, 2015
Susan Pryor
Tom, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Mary Frances was always so kind to me when I would see her in the Historic Area. Your are in my thoughts and prayers.
October 26, 2015
Richard Edwards
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Mary Frances. She was a delightful lady. Sending prayers for the family and especially to Tom.
October 26, 2015
Kris Brown
Tom, I will always remember Mary Francis. Her laugh, her smile, and her thoughtfulness, the way she decorated her house when you both lived on DoG Street. I know you treasure so many memories of your many adventures together. Tom, give yourself time to heal. We are all here for you. Kris Fox Brown (Kris Dippre) Williamsburg, Va.
October 26, 2015
Val Czerny
Mike and I are very sorry to hear about Mary Frances's passing. Our hearts are full, and we're praying for Tom and his family.
October 25, 2015
Ann Pilgrim
I am so sad for Tom and his family. Mary Frances was a sweet funny woman It was a pleasure to know her. She and Tom were and are very special to me.
October 25, 2015
James Jones
Tommy Sisley and I send our deepest sympathy to you and family.
October 25, 2015
Lyndsay Betts
My heart goes out to Mr. Spear and his family at this difficult time. Sending my deepest condolences.
October 25, 2015
Davis Byrd Longsworth
Mary Frances was a great and a faithful friend. Most of all she was more like a mother to me. I loved her much and love Tommy as a father. I am so very sad and very unhappy to hear of her death.My heart is hurting.I pray that she is at peace.My love to Tommy,Will and his family and to Mary Frances sisters. She was a grand lady.We had some good times together.eating mostly!
October 25, 2015
Ashley Meadows
May you rest in peace. I love you always
October 24, 2015
Georgia Ayscue
Our ensemble of friends and coworkers are all shocked and grieved to hear of the passing of Tom's dear wife and friend. I and we all wish Mr. Spear and the family peace and comfort at this time
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Oct
26
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Nelsen Funeral Home - Williamsburg3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
Funeral services provided by:
Nelsen Funeral Home - Williamsburg3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more