Marie Spears Obituary, Death – Marie Spears, 97, died at ECU Medical Center on April 6, 2023. Herbert and Stella “Mamie” Phillips Ewell had Marie on August 30, 1925. Robert Spears died before her. Marie worked tirelessly. She was persistent. She worked till her health failed at 75. Still, she enjoyed life. She was gregarious and loved people. She was happiest dancing. Marie’s league bowled competitively too.
Marie always looked her best. She was always perfect and organized. She only got rowdy at NASCAR races. She loved Dale Earnhardt Jr. Interrupting her during a race was unwise. She also loved UNC Tarheels. She always encouraged them. Marie loved family most. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were even sweeter gifts than her children. She wanted to attend all their games, tournaments, recitals, and other events. She’s their biggest fan forever. She encouraged reading and indulged them. Her house meant ice cream, candy, or whatever they wanted.
Marie attended Kinston Spilman Baptist Church when she could. Westview Cemetery will have a memorial service at 2 pm on Thursday, April 13, 2023. The family will greet friends after the service. Marie is survived by her children, Bobby Fate Smith and Herbert Smith (Brenda); grandchildren, Tracey Anderson (Brandon), Heidi Jones (Brian), Paul Puckett, Jr.; step-daughter, Bunnie Peterson; son-in-law, Cliff Turner; great-grandchildren, Alli Anderson, Kelsey Anderson, Hunter Weeks (Emily Smith), Hailey Weeks, Jared White (Jenna Greer), Kristony, Kaden, Payzlei, and Laken; a brother, Reuben Ewell (Nell); and many nieces and nephews. Marie was predeceased by her parents, husband, daughter Gale Smith Turner, grandson Herbert “Adam” Smith, Jr., step-son Mark Spears, and siblings Wayne Ewell and Margaret Pate.