Elizabeth Jane Spires' Obituary
Elizabeth Jane Spires, 86, is now singing and bell ringing with choirs of angels after her passing on March 7, 2024. Jane was born in May of 1937 in Sullivan, IN, the daughter of Herman and Gertrude Thompson Lord. She attended school in Evansville and Elkhart, IN, then came to Decatur to attend Millikin University. While at Millikin she affiliated with Delta Delta Delta sorority and developed some life long special friendships. Jane also met L. Rex Spires and they married in 1957. They had two daughters; Becky and Laura (b. 1963/ d. 1979).
Jane earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at Millikin and then took Master’s classes at ISU to become a reading specialist. She taught at several Decatur public schools. Toward the latter part of her career Jane became the Title 1 Parent Coordinator for DPS. She retired in 1999.
Jane’s faith was foremost in her life and she devoted much of her time to church activities. First Presbyterian Church in Decatur was her second home for well over 60 years. Jane truly lived out the adage that “every person is a child of God and deserves to be treated that way “. She believed strongly in equality for all people, offering a helping hand, being a good listener, and giving of your time and resources to causes that you feel passionate about. To that end, Jane served on boards of several Decatur community organizations including: Baby Talk, Head Start, Progress Resources Center, Good Samaritan Inn, and others.
For the last 11 years of her life Jane was blessed to have the constant companionship of Wallace W. Minnis, her “sweetheart “. Their partnership brought her great joy and contentment.
Jane is survived by her daughter, Becky Peer (Bob) of Louisville, KY, granddaughter Amy Peer of Tacoma, WA, grandson Andrew Peer of Louisville, KY, brother William Lord of Indianapolis, IN, partner Wally Minnis of Decatur, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Her church family and a wide circle of special friends have supported and sustained Jane and her family throughout her life and especially during her time of illness.
Memorial gifts may be made to First Presbyterian Church, or consider donating a book in Jane’s memory to the Decatur Public Library or a Decatur Public School.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate Jane’s life on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church, 201 W. Prairie Ave., at 1:00 p.m., with time to greet the family beginning at 12:00 noon in the church Fellowship area. Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with Jane’s arrangements.
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