Alice Ruth Spears

Alice Ruth Lovvorn Spears, age 85, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

 Born in Nashville, Ruth graduated from Cohn High School and later retired from Baptist Hospital. She was a lifelong and faithful member of the Church of God of Prophecy, where she found great joy, fellowship, and purpose. 

Ruth was a very gentle and nurturing soul. She was devoted to her family, her faith, and her love for God. She was always smiling, offering kindness to everyone she met, and caring for others with quiet strength. She enjoyed camping, church activities, watching baseball and football, reading, singing, and spending time with her family. 

Ruth was blessed with 66 years of marriage to her loving husband, James Edmond Spears. She is survived by her children: Donna Bell (husband, Will), James “Jimmy” Spears, and Jeff Spears (wife, Jennifer). She was a cherished grandmother to Shannon Wright (husband, Dereke), Brandon Staggs (wife, Tiffany), Heather Staggs (fiancé, Daniel Marlar), and Nathanial Spears.

 She was a proud great-grandmother to Dalton, Soraya, Kenley, Kaylan, Dylan, Camryn, Adasyn, Hannah, Brooklynn, Delainee, Raegan; and a proud great-great grandmother to Everleigh and Beckham. 

She is also survived by her siblings: Rachel (husband, Jerry), Shirley (husband, Dallas), Richard (wife, Johnnie), Elaine Spears, Melvin (wife, Dee), Bessie (husband, Winfred), and Cloyd Krieg, along with many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. 

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents Frank & Myrtle Lovvorn; siblings Lonnie Lovvorn, Howard (wife, Irene), William (wife, Ruby), Charlie Spears, Albert Staggs (son-in-law), Judy Krieg, Ken Smith, and Grady & Florence Spears. 

Ruth leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and unwavering love. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her. 

Visitation will be held at West Harpeth Funeral Home on Thursday, December 4, from 3:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m., and on Friday, December 5, from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, a graveside gathering will be held at Dickson Memorial Gardens. 

Pallbearers & Honorary Pallbearers: Brandon, Dalton, Dereke, Daniel, Brian, Harry, Keith, Jason, Donn, and Andrew