Thelma Rae “Thel” Spears, 83, of Muskogee, died Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at Solara Hospital. She was born November 24, 1924 in Whitefield, Oklahoma to Elbert and Zelma (Farrill) Mourney. Thel and Carl Franklin “Blue” Spears married on August 13, 1943 in Whitefield. They were to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary this year. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and was loved and respected by all as “Momma Spears”. She spent her life as a homemaker and caregiver to her family who were her life. She loved cooking and baking for her family.

She was a devoted Christian and a 50 year member of Bethel Baptist Church of Muskogee.

Her work experience was as a substitute teacher in the Muskogee Public School System, volunteer work at Muskogee Regional Hospital, and light bookkeeping for Spears & Son Feed Co., a family owned business.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Spears, on April 6, 2008. Also, preceding her in death were her parents; son, Carl Randall Spears, two brothers and one sister. She is survived by one sister, Helen Jean Ary and one brother, Billy Don Mourney; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Soni Spears, of Edmond, OK; grandchildren, Dr. Michael Alan Spears and his wife, Kim, of Edmond; Danny Spears and his wife, Candi, of Muskogee, Dr. Joshua Blue Spears of Edmond, OK, Jennifer Rae Spears of Muskogee; Heather Thompson of Ft. Gibson, and Randy Spears, Jr., of Bixby; great-grandchildren, Christian, Kylie, and Sienna Spears, Megan and Kaylee Spears, Colton and Caleb Gilbreth, Mason Dunn and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 9, 2008 at Fosters’ Ivory Chapel with Rev. Monty Baggett officiating. Interment will follow in Greenhill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mike Spears, Dr. Michael A. Spears, Danny Spears, Dr. Joshua B. Spears, Steven Bickel, and Randy Spears, Jr.

Funeral service arrangements are under the direction of Foster-Petering Funeral Home.