Dolores Jean Spearman

After a long and loving life, Dolores Jean Spearman passed away on October 12, 2018. She was 90 years old. Dolores “Dee” Spearman was known for her sense of adventure and for her kindness. Dee was born November 10, 1927 as Dolores Jean Armstrong. She graduated from Pennsylvania School of Nursing Class of 1949. She briefly attended Bucknell University but left to marry her husband of 63 years John Edward Spearman. Together Dolores and John raised seven successful children. Their greatest joy was supporting their children- Colonel John Spearman (May), Bobby Spearman (Barb), Dr. Billy Spearman (Starr), Dr. Jimmy Spearman (Emily), Tommy Spearman, Dr. Maridee Spearman (Bill McLaws) and Tony Spearman (Natalia). They also enjoyed time with their 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Dolores worked as a nurse in Williamsburg County in rural SC when widespread vaccinations and antibiotics were new. She was diligent in encouraging vaccines to protect children from dreaded viruses such as small pox, measles and polio. She also treated ill adults in the community. She remembers traveling to find one patient. He was infected with syphilis but refused to come in for his shot of penicillin. He claimed to be too busy with planting. She took the shot to him and made him pause in his plowing to be treated. Later in her career she worked as a labor and delivery nurse. Having had seven children herself, John used to tease her that it was a natural career choice for her. She was respected for her work ethic and appreciated for her compassion. She worked at Roper Hospital in Charleston from 1971-1980. She then worked as a school nurse in Dorchester County until her retirement. After retirement, Dee and John traveled around the country camping in a Ford Van. Her famous quote to John “I’m not sure where we are, but I’m never lost when I’m beside you.” Dee loved to have a good time. She especially enjoyed traveling, painting, dancing and watching her kids play sports. It is impossible to summarize her remarkable life in these few paragraphs. Her greatest legacies are the people she has nursed, fed, encouraged and loved along the way. She will be missed. Her memorial service will be held on Friday, November 23rd at 3 O'clock at The Presbyterian Church on Edisto Island, 2164 SC-174, Edisto Island, SC 29438. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hands of Christ Ministry (Hands of Christ, PO Box 30703, Charleston, SC 29407) or to The Citadel’s foundation by phone at 843-953-5297 or online to donate to The Swain School of Nursing on behalf of Delores Spearman (The Citadel Foundation website specify the Swain School of Nursing). A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting our website at www.jamesadyal.com. ARRANGEMENTS BY JAMES A. DYAL FUNERAL HOME, 303 SOUTH MAIN STREET, SUMMERVILLE, SC 29483 (843)873-4040.

Dolores Jean Spearman

November 10, 1927 - October 12, 2018