Iola S. Winborn

Mrs. Iola Spears Winborn, a beloved, mother, teacher and mentor to many, passed away on November 8, 2025. Her joyful, loving and generous spirit will live on in the hearts of her children and family. Iola was born on February 21, 1941 in Evergreen. Alabama to Joseph Spears and Ada Riley Spears. She was the middle of 3 children. When her mother died, Iola and her siblings moved to Pascagoula, Mississippi. While Iola initially attended Carver High School, she would go on to graduate with the class of 1959 from Magnolia High School in Moss Point, Mississippi. At an early age Iola was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church which is where Sister Hurley Mae Campbell was instrumental in helping Iola to discover what would become a lifetime passion for her: singing. Iola loved to dance and she often participated in the local carnival balls. Iola's love of music and gift of singing along with her genuine love for children touched her students and helped to guide them. Iola

Iola was a busy and loving mother of 5 children, David, Bobby, Josie, Michael and Howard "Jerry". She gave her children unconditional love and support which continued until her last breath. She always guided her children with wisdom. She loved GOD and she loved the youth in her community. Iola routinely blended her roles as mother and mentor. She retired from the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson County where she was the Unit Director at the Andrew Jackson location. During her career, she was also a physical education teacher at St. Peter's the Apostle School and she also taught computer classes at St. Peter's the Apostle School. She was very involved with St. Peter's the Apostle Church where she taught CCD classes and was a church lector. During the summers she was a devoted teacher at St. Peter's Vacation Bible School until her health challenges prevented her from continuing. In addition, Iola was a faithful member of the St. Peter's Gospel Choir for 40 years where she often served as the choir director. She was also a member of the Knights of Peter Claver' Ladies Auxiliary.

Iola is preceded in death by her parents, Ada Riley Spears and Joseph Spears, her son, Michael D. Temple, sister, Deborah Ann Spears, sister/cousin, Clara Pearl Blalock, brother Clausell Spears, aunt and uncle, Isaac C.M. Riley and Mary Lee Riley and devoted and adoptive parents, her aunt and uncle, John R. Temple and Mary E. Temple.

Iola leaves to cherish her memory, 1 daughter, Josie R. Taylor (Tony), sons, David M. Winborn (Laura), Bobby C. Winborn (Cynthia), Howard "Jerry" Winborn and 1 sister, Josie L. Hunt. She also leaves 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, beloved niece and nephews and a host of relatives and friends.