Shirley Lee Spears

Obituary At the age of 65, Shirley Lee Spears answered God’s call from labor to reward on Sunday, December 12, 2021, at Prisma Health Tuomey in Sumter, where she received her wings and went to walk with the angels. She embarked upon a new journey to unite with family and friends in glory. Shirley was born on August 15, 1956, in Sumter, South Carolina to the late Robert Lee Yates, Sr. and the late Nellie Mae Spann Yates. Shirley was educated in the public schools of Sumter County and graduated from Sumter High School in 1974 and married her soulmate the late William Spears, Sr. Shirley was a dedicated member of Saint Mark United Methodist Church. She was an active worshiper and enjoyed praising the Lord and uplifting others in the faith. Shirley’s beautiful smile and warm laughter lit up every room. She was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as grandma. She loved attending all activities involving her children, grandchildren, and family. Her hobbies prior to her stroke were quilting, crocheting and playing games with family and friends. She enjoyed being pampered. She also enjoyed lively conversations and fellowship with those she considered dear to her heart. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, a son, Nathaniel Dunham, parents, grandparents, her sisters Betty Johnson, Queen Yates and Anna Wells, her brothers, Henry Yates, James Banks and Enoch Spears and nephew DeAndre Banks. Shirley leaves to cherish precious memories as well as family and close friends to include her loving daughter, Sherie Spears (Jarrett) Logan; son William (Frances) Spears Jr.; nine grandchildren, Nathaniel Lillard and Jessica (Marcus) Heard both of Columbia, South Carolina; Zatara Dunham of Florida; Enonica Spears, Malaysia Spears, JuBarion Spears, Jaden Spears, Jamere Spears and Jarrett Logan all of Sumter, South Carolina; two great grandchildren Kalauri McCutcheon of Sumter, South Carolina and Brooklyn Scott of Florida; six siblings, Robert L. Yates, Jr., Columbia, South Carolina, Nellie Y. Grate and Evelyn Y. Bellamy, both of Sumter, South Carolina; Elease Y. (Joe) Goff of Loris, South Carolina and Earnestine Banks and Alexander Yates of Brooklyn, New York; Sisters-in- Love, Sallie S. Davis of Providence, Rhode Island; Geneva Spears and Walnetta Spears, both of Sumter, South Carolina; four aunts Geneva Gavin and Lucille Yates of Sumter, South Carolina, Georgianna Spann and Martha Yates of New York; one uncle Lawrence Larry Spann from Columbia, South Carolina and a special friend Evetta Johnson; extended family, Barbara (Jarrett) Logan and Sherrice Logan a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley, please visit our floral store.

Shirley Lee Spears

August 15, 1956 - December 12, 2021

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