Maerene Ridgeway Spray

Maerene Ridgeway Spray, age 90, of Destin, Fl passed away Nov. 11, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Cleveland, Al and was the youngest of four children. She lived there until she was a senior in high school. Her father was a Presbyterian pastor and they had relocated to Gadsden, Al. It was then that she met the love of her life, Bill Spray. They were married in 1954 and had a very happy marriage until his passing in 2001. From 1964 until 2023, Maerene resided in the Birmingham area.

Maerene was a longtime member of Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church, but after moving to Florida, she became a member of Destin Methodist Church. She had worked at Parisian in the children’s department where she provided loving care and service to her clients for nearly 45 years. Her hobbies were reading and gardening, but her favorite pastime by far was baking. She was passionate about baking for her family, friends, coworkers and neighbors. She loved people and showed her love by providing gifts from her kitchen.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Spray; by her parents, Robert Homer Ridgeway and Vera Bynum Ridgeway; 2 sisters, Jeanette Sherrer and Jean Smith; brother, Ernest Ridgeway; and by her sister-in-law, Janice Spray Scruggs.

Mrs. Spray is survived by her 3 daughters, Susan Forstman (Joe), Debbie Spray, and Vicki Spray. She is also survived by her grandson, Joe Forstman, III (Leslie) and granddaughter, Andi Forstman; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 18th, at Ridout’s Valley Chapel in Homewood with burial immediately following in Green’s Chapel Cemetery in Cleveland, Alabama. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Reverend Scott Edwards will officiate.

Services are under the direction of Ridout’s Valley Chapel (205.879.3401) in Homewood.