Dorothy M. Spears

Dorothy Mae Snyder Spears was born the 3rd day of April, 1928, in Science Hill, Kentucky, to David Smith Snyder and Maude Mae (DeLoach) Snyder. The good Lord called her home on the 9th day of January, 2018, at the age of 89.

Dorothy was born and raised on a farm in Science Hill, Kentucky. Being the oldest female of seven siblings, she spent most of her time, if not in school, helping her mom clean and cook. Dorothy would tell you that her father and brothers were served first when they came to the table to eat and the women and children would get the leftovers. So, as she grew older and wiser, Dorothy learned to put the good stuff on the bottom of the pile so that she would have some of the best food for herself.

Dorothy graduated from Science Hill High School in 1947. She found a job working at The Good All and at the Palm Beach Factory where she sewed sleeves to jackets. She explained that she had a sewing quota to meet each week and that they kept raising her quota because once she met her quota, she would start socializing with co-workers.

In October 1952, Dorothy and Arvin were introduced to each other and soon the courting began. It wasn't long before they fell in love. Arvin and Dorothy were married on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1953, in the parsonage of Northside Baptist Church, in Science Hill, Kentucky. There were only two witnesses besides the pastor and his wife, Dorothy’s friend and her brother, Jack.

Because Arvin was active military, they were stationed in several different places. Soon after they married, they moved to Charleston, South Carolina. There Dorothy gave birth to three children, Dennis Jeffrey, who passed away shortly after birth, Karen Rae and Phillip Dewitt. After Phillip was born, the family moved to Smyrna, Tennessee outside of Nashville where they were stationed for 2 years. In June 1963, Arvin received orders for Bermuda where the family lived three years before returning stateside in July, 1966, to live in San Antonio, Texas. Through all these years, Dorothy was a housewife and mother to her family.

After moving to San Antonio, Dorothy took a part time job (to be home when her children got out of school) working at a daycare center (Jack N Jill) near her home. In 1972, Dorothy took a full time position at Security Service Federal Credit Union after working part time there for several years. Dorothy finally retired three years after Arvin in 1991 from SSFCU.

Dorothy was a member of the Eastern Star and a member of the Auxiliary of Gideon’s International. She was very active in her church. Dorothy sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, served on numerous committees and kept attendance records. She also, along with her husband, participated in the outreach program of the church.

One of the gifts that God gave Dorothy was the gift of hospitality. When a call went out to house revival teams or mission teams, she would be one of the first to sign up. She would have friends over for a sandwich, a glass of ice tea or a cup of coffee and a piece of pie or cake following Sunday evening services. Dorothy loved to bake and was always trying new recipes on friends and family.

Dorothy, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, will be remembered as a caring and loving person who showed Christ's love to everyone she met and knew. Dorothy loved her family, she loved the church but most of all, she loved God and trusted Him and believed in His promise of everlasting life.

Those that went before her are: Parents - David Smith and Maude Mae Snyder: Husband – Arvin Dewitt Spears; Son - Dennis Jeffrey Spears; Sisters - Fern and Dovie Snyder; Brothers – Willis Nelson and Joe Dee Snyder.

Those awaiting the call: Daughter – Karen and husband Scott Kliewer; Son – Phillip and wife Diana Spears; Granddaughters – Amanda Kliewer-Demers & Daniel Demers; Allison Kliewer-Reeves & Sean Reeves; Kayla & Daniel Hone; Kelsea & Aaron Cook; Grandson - Kramer & Jenna Spears; Great Grandchildren: Lauryn, Hailey, Jamiee, Olivia, Audrina, Dedan, Broden, Nolan, Aaryn & Dawn; Sister – Arlee Snyder Dagley; Brothers - Jack Handy and Mary Jo Snyder, Bill Berlin and Lonna Snyder and Ralph Clifford and Mary Snyder and many nieces and nephews