Betty Jo (Bare) Spears

Ms. Betty Jo Spears, age 74, of Millers Creek passed away Monday, February 10, 2025, at her home.

Betty was born on May 7, 1950, in Ashe County to Charles Bare and Della Mae Sheets Bowlin.

She was preceded in death by her father.

She is survived by two daughters, Cindy Higgins (Michael) of Millers Creek, Crystal Felts (Thomas) of Wilkesboro; son, Scott Spears (Stephanie) of Hickory; eleven grandchildren, Cooper, Kayla and Kelsey Spears, Casey Olivares, Kendal Fadale (Tyler), Skyler and Kynley Felts, Alexie Eller, Rachel Call, Tiffani Galloway (Hunter), Luke Higgins (Madison); six greatgrandchildren, Hadley Spears, Sawyer Olivares, Juniper Terry, Greyson Call, Myles Galloway, NovaLee Higgins; and two brothers, Larry “Buck” Bare and Tony Bowlin, both of Millers Creek.

Our mother, Betty Spears, was a hard-working, selfless, and humble woman – honest to a fault, sometimes even brutally so.  She never sugarcoated the truth, but her words always came from a place of love.  Straightforward yet deeply giving, she always thought of others before herself.

Betty’s dedication and work ethic were unmatched.  She spent 20 plus years at Blue Ridge Shoe/Thom McCann, building a reputation for her reliability and commitment.  In the evenings, she found joy in servicing her customers at Glenn’s Tastee Freeze, where she was known just as much for her conversation as for the food she handed out.  Later in life, she worked for Johnston Casuals, bringing that same determination and care to her final job.

Family was everything to Betty.  She cherished spending time with her mother, Della Bowlin, and though she would laugh about it later, she never quite got over the frustration when people mistook them for sisters.

Her simple pleasures were sacred – her morning coffee, her cigarettes.  She loved the thrill of a scratch-off ticket, a good round of bingo, and the occasional spin on a slot machine tucked away in the back of some store.  But one thing was certain – when she was out playing bingo, no one better dare touch her elephants at home.  Each one was carefully positioned, its trunk turned just the right way for good luck.  When she got back, she would check to make sure they hadn’t been moved, warning the kids and grandkids not to mess with her good fortune.

The small joys, combined with her unwavering love and support for those around her, made her presence one that will be deeply missed.

To those who knew her, she was more than just Betty Spears – she was a mother, a grandmother, a sister, a friend.  And to all, she was a woman who gave more than she ever took.

Mom’s sense of humor, conversation, advice, words of wisdom and brutal honesty will be memories always cherished.  We love you.  See you soon!

The family requests no flowers.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

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