Evelyn Jean Spivey

Evelyn Jean Spivey was born in Samantha, Alabama on July the 10th, 1943 to the union of Curtis and Lela Wells. She was 13 years old when her mother passed. Being the oldest of five siblings, she assumed as much responsibility as possible to see to her family’s needs. She attended Holly Spring Church and Pole Bridge Baptist Church, in Northport, Alabama, where she confessed Christ at an early age. Her love for God never wavered. It has always been her faith in God and his Word that strengthened her during the most challenging times of her life. These seeds would be planted in her children and grandchildren.

She attended Holly Spring Elementary School and Riverside High School in Northport Alabama, where she dreamed of being a Schoolteacher. Upon graduating from high school, Evelyn moved to Chicago to live with her aunt and attend college. Not long after moving to Chicago, Evelyn sought her own independence, worked at Carson Pirie Scott department store and moved into her first apartment. It was during this time she met the love of her life George W. Spivey Jr. They married in 1963 and enjoyed 43 years of marriage. To this union was born Sharon and Sandra Spivey.

Married and with two young children, with the support of her husband George, Evelyn pursued her education. She received her Associate degree in Home Economics from Kennedy King College in 1977 and Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Chicago State University in 1980, a dream fulfilled.

During her children’s school age years, you could often find her participating and helping them with school activities and fundraisers. From popping popcorn, selling candy bars and raffle tickets. She did whatever she could to support her children, their education and their interest.

During her lifetime Evelyn held many positions, including working for the Archdiocese of Chicago with the Head Start program. While pursuing her degree in Education, she worked part-time as a food service worker at Mercy Hospital. Her hard work and dedication to that position, earned her a promotion to supervisor in the Food and Nutrition Department at Mercy Hospital. Once she graduated with her degree in Education, her manager, so impressed with her work ethic, offered her the position of Assistant Director of the Food and Nutrition Department, which she happily accepted.

Evelyn remained a dedicated employee for twenty years at Mercy Hospital. She greatly enjoyed her work there and the employees loved her. However, she would soon find herself working in the profession she was educated. In the late nineties Evelyn took a position as a high school Culinary Arts teacher with the Chicago Public Schools. Working at Orr High school, she gained a reputation as a great teacher, friend and favorite among her students.

Evelyn retired from Orr High School to spend more time with her husband George. He preceded her in death on September 29, 2007.

After the death of her husband, Evelyn continued to work to serve others. She enjoyed teaching Bible Study, was active with the Vacation Bible School, New Members, and the Scholarship Fund Ministries at Sweet Holy Spirit Church. She loved her church. She often said, she knew this was the church to join when she heard Bishop Larry D. Trotter preach and heard the choir sing “Old Ship of Zion”.

Evelyn was a faithful member of the church and attended the 7:30 Alpha Morning Worship service on Sundays. She loved its people and ministries.

In her retirement, she found joy in cooking, sewing and picking up her grandsons Brandon and Zachary from school. After being affected by a stroke in 2014, Evelyn participated in research studies at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, a rehabilitation hospital in Chicago. She volunteered at Northwestern University, where she worked with Physical Therapy students, assisting them in developing care plans for patients affected by strokes. She loved working with students and young people. It was her passion.

During the pandemic, one of Evelyn’s favorite activities was to call, family, friends and members of the church and offer them a word of encouragement. She would also sing hymns and songs to them. One of her favorite’s was, “I Just Called to Say I Love You”.

Preceding her in death were her parents Lela and Curtis Wells, sisters Betty and Doretha, brothers Robert Lee, Joe Nathan, Donald, Felton, and Willie.

She departed this life on July 2nd, 2022. She leaves to cherish her memories two daughters Sharon and Sandra, two grandsons, Brandon and Zachary. Siblings, Shirley Jackson, Patricia Avery (Kelvin), Marion Davis, and James Wells (Pat). Sister-in-law Lula Pearl Spivey and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Special thanks to Bobby Banks, her nephew who assisted her before and during her illness. She loved him like a son. Mrs. Geraldine Hentz and Ms. Ruth Dixon who also assisted her during her time of need and remain steadfast friends. Ms. Pauline Viverette, Mrs. Vera Woods, Ms. Linda Evison, Mr. Howard McHerron and Mr. Wil Lewis cherished friends and family.

A visitation for Evelyn will be held Tuesday, July 19, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453. A wake will occur Wednesday, July 20, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Sweet Holy Spirit Church, 8621 S. South Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL. Funeral service will occur Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Sweet Holy Spirit Church, 8621 S. South Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL. Interment Oakland Memory Lanes.