Agnes G.

Spear

Agnes Gaynell Spear graced this world on March 25, 1949, as the fifth of nine children born to the late Bemus and Linnie Spear in Piedmont, Alabama. She carried with her a warmth that could fill a room, which she expressed through her quick wit, her deep love for family, her gift for cooking and the creativity of her hands. A voracious reader, an avid baker, and a collector who loved a good bargain, Gaynell found joy in both the simple and meaningful things in life. Her love language was giving, she gave freely of her time, her energy, and her heart, always seeking to put a smile on the faces of everyone she met. Among the many treasures her parents gave her, none was greater than her foundation in Christ and a lifelong belief in the power of prayer.

At an early age, Gaynell joined Thankful Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Steve Robinson. Her faith was not just something she held, it was something she lived. Over the years, she faithfully served on the Usher Board, taught Sunday School, and poured into the lives of young women as a leader of the Red Circle. She was a devoted supporter of the Missionary Baptist Convention, often traveling across Alabama with her sister Carolyn, her mother and her aunt to attend district meetings. She was also a proud member of the Eastern Star and remained actively engaged in the Piedmont/Anniston chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

Gaynell was a proud graduate of Bethune High School, Class of 1967. A lifelong learner with a curious spirit, she continued her education at Gadsden State Community College, where she developed skills in upholstery and carpentry, further reflecting her resourcefulness and creativity.

She was blessed with one son, Jason Jabbar Spear, who was the joy and pride of her life. That joy multiplied with the arrival of her beautiful granddaughter Zora Spear and by her grandson Miles three years later. Known affectionately as "BiBi," the Swahili word for grandmother, Gaynell embraced her role with boundless love, warmth and devotion.

Later in life, she joined Macedonia Baptist Church, where she found meaningful fellowship and deepened her connection with her church family. On March 23, 2026, God called Gaynell home, bringing her earthly journey to a peaceful close.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted son, Jason Spear (Domonique), and her beloved grandchildren, Zora and Miles, all of Suitland, Maryland; her sisters, Carolyn Holman and Linda (Wayne) of Piedmont, Alabama; her brothers, Johnnie (Alice) Spear of Saks, Alabama, and Bobby Spear of Clinton, Maryland; her sisters-in-love, Janice Spear of Trenton, New Jersey, and Deborah Spear of Fort Washington, Maryland; her special sisters, Aggie Harbour and Mary J. Prater; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Dorothy Williams; her brothers, David, Freddie, and James Spear; and her special niece, Regina Spear.