Lonaconing, MD - Jean Ann Spear, 88, passed peacefully into the loving arms of God, Sunday, July 6, 2025, with her daughter Mandy by her side. Jean resided at Egle Nursing and Rehab Center in Lonaconing, Md., with her husband for the past four years prior to her passing. This past June 6th marked their 66th wedding anniversary. Hymns of faith were often heard coming from her room at the nursing home as Jean and her daughters sang together as an expression of their faith. Jean reflected the love of Christ through her kind and gracious spirit. She was always humble and hospitable toward everyone, putting others needs before her own. She leaves behind a legacy inspiring others to a life of faith and service.

Born September 7, 1936, in Follansbee, W.Va., Jean was the youngest child of the late Jesse Milford Schwertfeger and Minnie Henrietta Marie (Benhke) Schwertfeger. Growing up on a farm instilled in her a lifelong love of gardening, an appreciation for hard work, and devotion to family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Charles Milford, sister Dorothy Jane Fleming, and sister-in-law Susan Hook. She is survived by her husband Rev. Donald E. Spear, sister Helen Louise Keller of Livonia, Mich., and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jean was a 1954 graduate of Follansbee High School and went on to earn her bachelor's degree in elementary education from West Liberty State College. While in high school and college Jean was active in musical theatre and drama. After graduating Jean briefly taught 3rd grade before devoting herself to raising her four children. Later in life Jean taught as a long-term substitute teacher for Allegany county public schools as she studied for her masters. Jean was a lifelong learner, enjoying reading and travel. She and Don traveled frequently to visit old friends and family. Together, they visited the lower 48 and enjoyed a once in a lifetime adventure to Alaska in a minivan while pulling a pop-up camper!

Jean entered into the calling of ministry alongside her husband and served as an integral partner at each of the churches he served over the years, including Presbyterian Churches in Bradford, Pa., Silver Creek, N.Y., Lonaconing and Barton, Md., and Lisbon, OH. Jean's beautiful soprano voice was among her most special gifts. Her voice is remembered and cherished by all who knew her as an expression of her joy and love of God. She shared her voice lovingly in church and community choirs throughout her lifetime. Jean also served as a Director of a Preschool, Sunday school teacher, youth leader, and director of children's choirs and plays over the years.

Jean leaves behind her husband, Donald Edwin Spear; daughters, Melinda Susan (David) Best of Avoca, NY, Amanda Louise (David) Hawkins of LaVale, MD and Cynthia Marie (Keith) Dasher of Hazleton, PA. and son, Andrew Eric (Cynthia Miller) Spear of Escondido, CA.

Jean, a.k.a. Granny also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Lee Edward (Kristen) Winebrenner of Levittown, PA, Alyssa Jean (Matthew) Gustin of Bradford, PA, Lydia Diane (George) Sweatt of Greenwood, NY, Joshua David (Christina) Best of New Brunswick, NJ, Jessica Diane (Seth) Lawrence of Pittsburgh, PA, Katherine Grace (Brandon) Hosselrode of Berlin, PA, Jordan Edward (Emmie) Best of Brooklyn, NY, Jackson David (fiancé-Kamden Badger) Hawkins of Knoxville, TN, Samuel Andrew Spear and Abigail Jean Spear, Escondido, CA. Step-grandchildren include Justin (Cait) Dasher, Julia (Christoph) Hoening, and Jared (Amber) Dasher. Jean's great-grandchildren include: Sage Olivia, Leah Jean, and Hope Felicity Gustin, Salem Ethan Joshua and Levi Josiah Best, Luke Edward Winebrenner, and Acer Wayne Hosselrode.

In accordance with her wishes, Jean will be cremated.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 1pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 1 E Main St, Lonaconing, MD 21539. Pastor Bernadette Ross and Pastor Tom Morgan will officiate. All friends and family are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Penn York Camp to support their ongoing ministry to families and children. This camp has been a blessing to the Spear family as they gathered together each Memorial Day for 16 years. Address: Penn York Camp 266 Northern Potter Rd. Ulysses, PA 16948 or Egle Nursing Home Activity Fund. Address: 57 Jackson St. Lonaconing, MD 21539.

A heartfelt thank you to the entire staff of Egle Nursing Home for their tender loving care of our sweet Mama. We are so very grateful for each and every one of you. May God bless you all.

Condolences may be left at www.ScarpelliFH.com.