Josephine Spillyards' Obituary
Pearl Josephine “Jo” Spilllyards, 97, of Wylie, passed away on March 25, 2018 in Richardson, TX.Visitation will be 6-8 PM Friday March 30 at Restland Funeral Home, Dallas.A graveside funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday March 31 at Restland with Pastor Russell Rogers officiating.Jo was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Allie Mae (Taylor) and Sam Bearsch on May 11, 1920. She went to school in Pine Bluff. She married John H. Spillyards on August 21, 1938 in Malbern, Arkansas. She worked as a store manager for Top Value Stamps and then Margie’s for most of her adult life. Upon retirement, she spent her time volunteering at Baylor Hospital (Garland) and as an avid reader.Jo lived a life that experienced the events of the 20th century. Born in 1920, she was a young girl when the depression hit and it developed a frugal philosophy for her life. She excelled at her studies in high school (nicknamed “dreamy eyes”) where her best friend, Alline, ultimately became her sister-in-law. As the wife of John, she joined the family of Mama and Daddy Doc Spillyards (Bernice and Jesse Spillyards, MD) whom she respected and valued as parents. Jo loved to reminisce about the Spillyards’ family household and their stories. As Jo and John started a family, they remained in Pine Bluff until the early 50’s when they moved to San Diego, California. After a couple of years, they relocated to Dallas, Texas in 1952 where they lived and raised their children.Jo started each day with her cup of coffee and newspaper. She remembered all of the family’s birthdays and anniversaries and acknowledged each with a “little remembrance.” She loved celebratory cake, but “just a sliver.” The family’s fete of Jo and John’s golden anniversary was a crowning moment of a life well-lived. During her later years, the accomplishments of her grandchildren brought her great pride. Mama Jo loved visiting with them and was always ready for a visit with some Lil Debbie’s snacks. Jo instilled the power of family by sharing the history of hers through memories and anecdotes.Jo was preceded in death by her husband, John H. Spillyards, her daughter, JoAnn McGowan, her brother, Jack Bearsch, and her parents.Mama Jo is survived by her children, John Spillyards, David Spillyards, and Rick Spillyards (Leigh); her grandchildren, Lori Dedoro, Chuck Faciani (Dina), Mike McGowan (Carol), John David Spillyards (Meredith), Cammie Schaefer (Matt), Allie Hanson (Blake), Sam Spillyards, Kevin Spillyards, and Carter Spillyards; her great-grandchildren, Karly Eland (Brad), Kelly Lindley (Brandon), Kristy Rawlings (Chad), Cheyenne Faciani, Gracie Faciani and Alyssa McGowan; and her six great-great grandchildren. Additional family members include Kathy Spillyards and Beverly Spillyards.The family of Jo Spillyards wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Garnet Hill Rehabilitation and Skilled Care in Wylie for their care of Jo in her final years.
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