Eloise Joy Spivy

Eloise Joy Crews Spivy, 91, of Jasper, Alabama, passed away peacefully at Ridgeview Health Services on the afternoon of October 22, 2025.

Born in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, on September 9, 1934, Eloise was the only child of the late Teddy Ray and Annie Etoile Hayes Crews. On August 11, 1957, she married the  love and light of her life, the late Joe Thomas Spivy, Sr. An alumna of Freed-Hardeman College, Lipscomb College, and the University of Florida, Eloise earned a degree in Home Economics and later completed a master’s degree in library science. Following her marriage, she became the first married County Extension Agent in the state of Tennessee. For most of her career, Eloise worked in education as a Home Economics teacher and then as a librarian for schools, elementary through college. Students of all ages were introduced to books and reading by Mrs. Spivy.

A Proverbs 31 “wife of noble character,” Eloise was a true partner as a “preacher’s wife” for her husband of 56 years. She shared her faith through children’s and ladies’ Bible classes, Vacation Bible Schools, Bible Camps, and a trip to Ukraine to teach alongside her daughter, Joy. The embodiment of Christian hospitality, Eloise will be remembered as a consummate hostess, welcoming all people into her home with homecooked meals and spirit of Christian hospitality. To her children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren, “Momma El” was a constant source of love and support.

Eloise is survived by her four children: Joe (Missy) Spivy, Jr., of Vienna, WV; Tim (Penny) Spivy of High Springs, FL; Joy (Chuck) Shepherd of Columbia, TN; and Stephen (Kim) Spivy of Sumiton, Al; eleven grandchildren: Leah (Cory) Delbaugh, J.T. Spivy, Anna (Jake) Keefer, Batsell (Stacia) Spivy, Tifani (Jake) Elrod, Ryan (Meredith) Nichols, Serrah (JP) Alexander, Drew (Amy) Shepherd, Philip (Hillary) Shepherd, Holley (Ethan) O’Rear, and Gracie (Will) Spurlin; and 10 great-grandchildren: Parker and Ezra Delbaugh, Micah and Benjamin Keefer, Lucy and Ivy Elrod, Harper Spivy, Piper Alexander, Palmer Shepherd, Kathryn Shepherd; and one more on the way.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Ridgeview Health Services for their care with a special thanks to Sandra Prescott and the many who faithfully visited Eloise throughout her years in assisted living.

Funeral services will be held at Curry church of Christ in Curry, AL, on Saturday, December 6. The family will receive visitors from 1:00 – 2:00 pm with the service starting at 2:00pm. Evangelist Vance Hutton will officiate.