Juanita Higginbotham Spears

Nahunta – Juanita Higginbotham Spears, 97, of Nahunta passed away Thursday afternoon (August 23, 2018) at Bayview Nursing Home where she had resided for 6 years.

Born in Dyal, FL, in 1920, her parents were Everett Fluornoy Higginbotham and Mary Lovdia Dowling Higginbotham. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Erwin Spears; a son, Lewis Spears; 2 grandsons, Michael Peace and Josh Spears; a great granddaughter, Kayla McLeod; a brother, Earl Higginbotham; and a sister, Inez H. Courtney.

Mrs. Juanita retired as a teacher at the age of 79 from Brantley Co School System and was a member of Southside Baptist Church and the Joy Sunday School Class. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of South Florida at the age of 49, modeled for Maas Brother in Lakeland, Fl and was Georgia State president for Junior Women’s Club.

She is survived by her 4 children and their spouses, JoAnn S. Peace (Lamar) of Lakeland, FL, Karen S. Forfar (Ken) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, Lance M. Spears (Patti) of DeBarry, FL, and Mark K. Spears (Jodie) of Groveland, FL; widow of Lewis Spears, Kristina Spears Popwell of Kingsland; 13 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; 3 sisters and brothers-in-law, Marian H. Morgan of Nahunta, Ann H. Timmerman ( Bob) of Woodbine, and Pam H. McLeroy (Clayton) of Trenton, FL; and also several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service Saturday (August 25, 2018) starting at 11am at Southside Baptist Church.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday (August 25, 2018) at 12PM at Southside Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Johns officiating. Burial will follow in New Hope Cemetery. Visitors are welcome one hour prior to the service beginning at 11am.

Pallbearers will be Lance Spears, Mark Spears, Wayne Peace, Justin Forfar, Daniel Spears, and Brian McLeod.

Arrangements were made by Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta and sincere wishes may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.