Nannette C. Spivey

Catherine Nannette Cooper Spivey, affectionately known as "Nana" was born on September 15, 1939, in New Hope, Alabama, and passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hulett C. Cooper and Ila May Cooper. A Memorial Service officiated by Reverand Robin Wilson will be held at First United Methodist Church 800 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401, Sunday September 14th, 2025. Visitation will be at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary, followed by the service at 2:30 p.m.
Nannette married Robert (Bob) Word Spivey in 1957 and from that union a beautiful legacy was born. Nannette is survived by her daughter Allison Becraft (Scott) and son, Michael Spivey (Cole). She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Meredith Lindsay Becraft (Lee), Catherine Ann Fields (David), Robert Miller Spivey (Mackenzie), Michael Hudson Spivey (Madison) and Ellie Maclain Spivey and her former daughter-in-law Kim Spivey. In addition, Nannette is survived by three of her greatest joys, great- grandsons, David Barry Fields III (David B), Charles Cooper Fields (Charlie), and Hudson Wells Spivey (Wells). She is also survived by her sister Sandra Towle (Jack), nieces Tara Lang (Matt) and Jacquelyn Thury (Brian).
Nannette was a graduate of New Hope High School and the North Alabama College of Commerce. Following graduation, she was employed by the US Army Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal. The next chapter was one she always spoke proudly about through the years, her employment at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. She worked in the historic building 4200, a strategic hub of the Apollo program and the historic moon landings.
Life would lead her in the 1970s to Tuscaloosa, Alabama where she partnered with her former husband, Bob, to open Mr. Steak Restaurant. At the end of that chapter, she established a career working for the University of Alabama first with the UA golf course, later the National Alumni Association, and finally the last 15 years working for the School of Library and Information Studies. She retired in 2003 after serving at the University of Alabama for 22 years.
Nana loved the beach, playing bridge, Auburn football, garage sitting with friends in Hillcrest Gardens – especially her closest friends Fannie, Jimmy Ann and Peggy, and any time spent with her family. In the past year she moved to the Pine Valley community, making new friends whom she came to adore and participating in unique events. At Pine Valley she found community and was loved and supported by her friends and staff.
The family would like to extend our appreciation to Southern Care Hospice and Nana's caregivers, Yvette, Tammy, Jenny and Pam for their support and compassionate care. In addition, we would like to thank the Pine Valley Community for all the love and support for Nana and our family – you all were such a blessing during this last chapter of Nannett's life here on earth. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nannette, please visit our floral store.