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Hila Spear Obituary
Hila Jessie Spear, a beloved mom and adored grammy, 59, of Forest, was promoted to glory on Saturday, Dec. 25, 2010. Joyously awaiting a reunion in Heaven are her four children, Lori Rich and husband, Robert, Amy Sims and husband, Jay, Jason Spear and wife, Leah, all of Forest, and Ryan Spear and wife, Jaime, of Atlanta, Ga.
Missing their grammy are her nine grandchildren, or her "grands," as she liked to call them, Juliet, 7, Jerry, 6, Kyle, 5, Charlotte, 4, Matthew, 4, Thaxton, 2, Jessianna, 2, Weston, 2, and Jesse, 4 months.
She is also survived by her sister, Lola Slack, of Battle Creek, Mich.
A celebration of her life will be conducted at
1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010, at Heritage Funeral Service by Dr. Ron Hawkins.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you send a donation to the Norman Family. Their four-year-old son, Nathan, was diagnosed with brain cancer in January of 2009. Donations can be sent to Thomas Terrace Baptist Church, c/o Nathan Norman, P.O. Box 965, Concord, VA 24538. Our family has been praying for Nathan for the two years he has been battling brain cancer, and Hila requested that donations be sent to this special family.
"Her children arise and call her blessed. Many women do noble things, but she surpassed them all." Proverbs 31.
Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 Graves Mill Road, (434)239-2405, is assisting her family. Memories and thoughts may be shared with the family at www.heritage
funeralandcremation.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hila Spear
Bonnie Bosler
January 23, 2011
Dr.Spear was one of my nursing instructors who I will never forget from 1989-1993. My thoughts as prayers are with both her family and her family at the School of Nursing. May you all have peace knowing that we will see her again in heaven.
January 20, 2011
I didn't know you, but may God bless your family. May God get the family through your loss. George B.
Donna Stockton Thomas
January 15, 2011
Dr. Spears was a wonderful person. I will never forget her.
Felix Martinez
January 10, 2011
What an amazing testimony and legacy! She will be missed!!
Jessie Wheatley
January 10, 2011
I will never forget this amazing lady and how much she contributed to my nursing career through distance education. She was inspiring, uplifting and always positive. I am greatly saddened by her passing and I continue to pray for her family through this difficult time.
Lisa Kidd
January 8, 2011
I have never had the honor to meet this special women that everyone loved. May God Bless the family and be with them through this tough time and give them the strength in the coming days ahead. Dr. Spear will always be my sister in Christ. Lisa Kidd ( Chesapeake, Virginia)
Sandra Cooprider
January 7, 2011
Dr. Spear was my online instructor and although I never met her, she was very supportive of my education. I praise God for the blessing that she was to me through her kind mentoring. May God give peace and comfort to her family. Thank you for sharing her with us!
Annette Pleszkoch
January 5, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Spear's passing. She was a wonderful person, a fine Christian Leader, an excellent nursing instructor, writer and researcher. She was a tremendous motivator and inspiration to those of us who knew her. We will miss her. Her life touched so many of us who were in the nursing school at Liberty University.Her love and dedication to Jesus Christ were evident in everything she did. I know she is in a better place and pray that her family will be comforted at this time of great loss.
Debra Williams
January 4, 2011
I did not know her, but she is my sister in Christ. I pray for those she left behind that God will continue to strenghten and keep them. Amen
Carmen Stone
January 3, 2011
Dr. Spear was my OB professor at Liberty. I remember enjoying her class so very much. She had such a sweet spirit, and made the class fun & interesting! I am saddened to hear of her passing, but knowing she is in heaven with her Lord is a great joy!
Jeannette Harding
January 3, 2011
Dr. Spear,
Thank you for your dedication and belief in the Liberty University nursing program. I pray that God will comfort your family at this time.
Alex Khan
January 2, 2011
This is a great loss. Dr. Spear was the mentor and inspiration of many nurrsing students. May God bless her soul. Amen.
Debbie Cash
January 2, 2011
Lori,
The Lord works in mysterious ways, for some strange reason I decided to google search the web for the Lynchburg news and was looking at obituaries and saw your mom had passed away. I am so sorry for your loss and know how hard it is on you. It has been over 15 years since I saw you. We used to work together at Sears. I will pray that God will be with you and your family in this loss and I am so sorry to hear about it.
Erika Setliff
January 1, 2011
Hila was so influential in my life, personally and professionally, both during my undergrad and throughout my MSN. I will miss her so much.
I know she will be missed by so many, and especially by her family... with all her accomplishments, they were always the most important part of her life, and also what she was always the most proud of. Our prayers are with you all.
delores jackson
January 1, 2011
Sorry for your loss. She is celebrating with Jesus now...I lost my husband December 27 and he was laid to rest on December 30...He had a massive stroke...I need prayers too.
Delores (Dee) Jackson, Liberty online student
Kyle Falce
December 31, 2010
Dr. Spear and I worked together when I was the admissions director in the graduate department. She had a very sweet spirit about her, and has most certainly left a positive legacy. I am sorry to hear this, but am so happy for her that she is with our Lord.
Harley (Skeeter) McGinn
December 31, 2010
Robert Hosack brother of Hila and Nancy Hosack sister of Hila, Uncle Skeeter who was married to the late Phyllis Hosack McGinn want to extend our sympathy to the family of Hila for your loss of your dear loved one.
December 30, 2010
I am thankful to have known Dr. Spear. She was my OBGYN classroom instructor in 2005 while in undergraduate classes at Liberty. Being only one of 3 guys in the whole nursing class of 2006 I was very thankful for her balance as a teacher. She was also the first person to encourage me that I would be a great dad one day as I turned in my final classroom exam....by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, I am a husband and father of one 11 month old boy. Praise the Lord for her input in so many lives, and our prayers are for her family that the Lord would undergird them and that they would know that deeply. Amen. - Alan, Amy, and little Adam B.
Carol McGinn-Tallent
December 30, 2010
Hila was my cousin. When she moved away from Battle Creek, MI, I only saw her once at her mother's funeral. Hila was 12 years older than me, but I remember how sweet and beautiful she was. My prayers are with her family.
December 30, 2010
Dr Spear was a wonderful mentor and advisor while I was in nursing school at LU from 1995-1998. I was saddened to hear of her passing and I will pray for the loved ones she has left behind. To the family of Dr Spear....I pray that God, as well as friends and family, will comfort you during this difficult time.
Amy Ferris, RN,BSN, CNOR
Liberty University Nursing Class of 1998
December 29, 2010
"I never met Dr. Spear in person but, I had spoken with her as a student in the graduate nursing program. I am in awe at all of her accomplishments while raising four children. She must have been a truly amazing godly woman. My prayers are with those who miss her."....M. Dullavin(NJ).
December 29, 2010
I had Dr.Spear for a few classes and will remember her wise insights and wonderful sense of compassion.
Bill V
December 29, 2010
Dr Spear was one of my most beloved professors. She taught me so much and even learned to enjoy research due to her enthusiasm, ever-forgiving, and non-judgmental nature. All that she has endured the last few years, no one could have dealt with it in the manner of dignity and respect as she did. L.Stone
Barbara and Tim Weldon
December 29, 2010
Jay and Hila ran the best Newly Married class when we first got married almost 15 years ago. They were an amazing couple. She was so sweet, and they encouraged us through having our first little one. Such an amazing lady. She will be missed. I have never forgotten her and never will. Love you, Hila. Jay, I am sorry for your loss. You are an amazing couple. Always.
Debbie Lucy
December 29, 2010
I did not know Dr. Spear. But so young and so beautiful. God took one of our greatest nurses to Heaven. I await the day I go to meet with my Mom and Dad again. In the meantime, may peace follow this family and loved ones. I assume it was cancer. Blessings, Debbie C Lucy MS of Liberty 2009
Deb Smith Doherty
December 29, 2010
Hila was an instrumental part of my training as a nurse. I loved her from day 1 and i will never forget her. Please allow these verses to bring you comfort:
a) Psalm 34:18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
b) Psalm 30:5 (b) Weeping may last through the night,but joy comes with the morning.
I pray your joy comes soon. Hila, i rejoice that one day we will meet again and spend eternity with our God.
Kaye Mitchell
December 29, 2010
When your loved one becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
Meuy Saechao
December 28, 2010
It was such an honor to have been taught by Dr. Spear. She always went above and beyond to help her students. Dr. Spear has been in my heart and prayers ever since I found out about her condition. My heart is saddened at our loss of her, but I rejoice in knowing that she is home with our Heavenly Father - free of pain and sorrow.
Jessica & Adrian Smith
December 28, 2010
Dr. Spear was one of our favorite nursing professors at LU. She was so caring, thoughtful and nurturing and she will be dearly missed. We are praying for her family during this very difficult time.
Pat Gowen
December 28, 2010
My sincerest sympathy to Hila's family. I was one of the fortunate ones to have her as a teacher at LGH. She was such an inspiration to me and I will always cherish my wonderful memories of this amazing woman. I hope we can all find comfort in knowing she is smiling and helping to guide us all just as she did on earth. Thank you to her family for sharing her with so many people who loved her. Hila definitely touched so many lives with her warmth, kindness and sincerity
Evon Marquez
December 28, 2010
My prayers are with the family for comfort during this time of sadness of missing a precious loved one. May you find healing as you recall the wonderful memories and times of joy with your mother, wife, grammy, sister, friend, and co-worker, Hila Spear.
Becky Rumsmoke
December 28, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I was blessed to have the opportunity to work with Hila in the LU Nursing office several years ago. I will always remember her beautiful smile, sweet spirit and her genuine devotion to the students and faculty. She was like family to me and I will deeply miss her. May God bless each of you.
Anne Reynolds
December 28, 2010
All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so very sorry for your loss of this very special lady.
December 28, 2010
I had the distinct honor of having Hila for an instructor in my MSN program. A special woman and always an encouragement. We have all lost.
Keith Paulus RN (Charlotte, NC)
Jean St. Clair
December 28, 2010
Hila was a wonderful woman, friend, and colleague. My memories of working with her at Liberty will always be treasured by me. Since leaving Liberty I have lost contact with her, but I have not stopped thinking of her. Anyone who spoke with Hila for any length of time, knew how much each of you meant to her. You were the treads that made the tapestry of her life. Any woman is blessed who can feel such pride and love in her children. Job well done Hila. I will miss you.
Brian Keesee
December 28, 2010
I did not have the honor of knowing Mrs. Spear - but I am a current student at Liberty. My deepest prayers go to the family.
The Lord has a plan for us all and her plan was followed through - imagine the immense amount of celebrating she is having now!
Alison Reed
December 28, 2010
While in college and away from my own mom, Hila was a spiritual mom and mentor to me. Her love for her Lord was evident in her life through her gentleness and humbleness. And through her godly example of how to be a woman of God I have tried to pattern my life. She was a blessing in my life and I have many happy memories with her and her blessed family. My thoughts and prayers are with her children as they mourn the loss of their mom yet rejoice that she's with her Heavenly Father.
Stacey Tribbett
December 28, 2010
Hila was a wonderful role model, mentor and friend to me. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. She cherished her family so much and I hope her memories will help to comfort you during this time.
Bonnie Brown
December 28, 2010
Your Mom was a true treasure. She never gave less than her best, if as a nurse, a teacher, a mentor,and a researcher. Her gentle spirit was such an inspiration to me. She loved her children and her grandchildren and was so proud of all of you. May you feel surrounded with the spirit of the Lord now and in the future. I know she heard "Well done, my good and faithful servant".
Jeannine Dorrin
December 28, 2010
Your Mom was a special lady...I know you will miss her dearly. I have been praying for all of you during the past year and please know I will continue to pray for you. I remember one time Mr. Dorrin, the girls and I came over to your house for dinner, and we were down in your den...Mr. Dorrin started sneezing and his eyes got so swollen and the nurse that your Mom was, said "Are you allergic to cats, Don"?Well that is how we found out he was allergic to them. I love all of you guys so much and all of you have a special place in my heart.
Susan Barley
December 27, 2010
My thoughts and prayer are with your family. Hila was a great friend, colleague, and mentor. She was a great example to all. She had a loving and mentoring spirit. She will be missed. May you find comfort in your memories and the knowledge you will be with her again. May you feel Gods comforting arms around your family. God bless you all.
Dee Crawley
December 27, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hila was an inspirational colleague/friend at LGH and throughout the years. Her life was a real testimony. I know she is rejoicing in heaven....absent from the body, present with the Lord. I pray your memories will provide you comfort. May God bless each of you.
Dee Crawley
Pat & Cindy Rolfe
December 27, 2010
We are so sorry about your loss, Hila was a wonderful mother, she made motherhood look so easy, we will keep you all in our prayers.
Carolyn Hepler
December 27, 2010
I pray for your comfort, I know Our Lord will ease your sorrows. I rejoice for My sister in the Lord, Hila. She is surrounded by great JOY. God Comfort you all!
Halina Geier
December 27, 2010
My deepest sympathies. Hila was a special person and she touched many lives with her kindness and gentle ways. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Donne, Amanda & Graham Gibson
December 27, 2010
So sorry for your loss. Your mother was such a sweet lady and I know she will be missed. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
December 27, 2010
So sorry for your loss. Your mother was such a sweet person and I know she will be missed greatly. May God comfort you during this difficult time. Donnie, Amanda & Graham Gibson (Goodview, VA)
Pamela Routon
December 27, 2010
I am so very sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine your pain at not having your mom here and yet the joy that you feel that she is now home. May God Bless each of you and your families.
Vicki Martin
December 27, 2010
One of the best friends that anyone could ever have had! Can't wait to be reunited with her in Glory when I am fortunate enough to be promoted. Heaven is a much happier place with Hila joining the rank of ANGEL in training! Love to you all, Lori, Amy, Ryan and Jason and families.
Tara Painter
December 27, 2010
I am so sorry for your lose. Your mother was one of my teachers in nursing school at LGH so many years ago. She was such a sweet person, caring, soft spoken and kind. I know you will miss her greatly but her love will live in each of you. God Bless each of you and your families.
Debbie Loop
December 27, 2010
Lori, Amy, Ryan and Jason,
I am so sorry for your lose. I know your mother meant the world to each of you. We were all blessed to have known this amazing woman. She certainly lived out Proverbs 31. Hila, will never be forgotten. She touched so many lives. Her desire to exemplify the Lord was evident in everything she did. Thank you for sharing this amazing woman with so many people. My dear friend, you will be greatly missed. I am so happy that you are free of the earthly heartaches and pain. Rejoice in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. I love you.
Cindy Brooks Capps
December 27, 2010
One of the most precious people I ever had the blessing of knowing.
Much love to Lori, Amy, Ryan, Jason & families.
Cindy "Brooksie" Capps
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