Martha Elizabeth Howell Spears

March 7, 1929 - January 10, 2020

Martha Elizabeth Howell Spears, age 90, of Southaven, MS passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, January 10, 2020 at Desoto Health Care in Southaven with family by her side. Martha was born on March 7, 1929 in Calhoun Co, MS to the late Winford and Virginia (Lee) Howell. Affectionately nick-named “Boss” by her father, she was the fifth of 10 siblings and was raised in Coffeeville until her marriage to Robert Walter Spears. Later she moved to Memphis, Tennessee where she raised her family. Mrs. Spears worked for Malone and Hyde in Memphis for over 20 years where she eventually retired. She enjoyed watching Memphis Tiger’s basketball, crocheting, and making peanut butter fudge. She will be remembered for her deep love and devotion to her family, especially the love she had for her grandchildren. She was also a member of Broadway Baptist church where she had once taught Sunday School. Visitation is planned for Monday, January 13, 2020 in the Gardiner Room of Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley from 11:00 AM until 12:00 Noon. Services will follow immediately in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks. Interment will be in the Coffeeville City Cemetery. Martha is survived by three daughters, Carla Mask (Tim) of Southaven, MS, Lynn Day (Steve) of Germantown, TN, Pam Tatum of Bartlett, TN; one brother, Jamie Howell (Maxine) of Big Creek, MS; three sisters, Margie Grist of Tupelo, MS, Dee Rullet of Olive Branch, MS, Patsy Macelway of Coffeeville, MS; as well as six grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Along with her parents, Martha was preceded in death by three brothers, Carl Howell, Bobby Howell, Billy Howell; two sisters, Wanda Brewer and Lou Nell Massey.