Mary Rose Windham Spears, 73, of Magnolia, MS passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 5, 2024 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Mrs. Spears was born on November 17, 1950 in Magnolia, Mississippi. She was the daughter of the late Dolores Buie Windham and the late Gillis Windham. Mrs. Spears graduated from South Pike High School in 1968.  Most of her working career, she served the community of Magnolia at Magnolia Discount Drugstore with compassion and sincere concern for all. In the latter part of her career, she owned Windham Spears Bonding Company. She was an active member of Bala Chitto Baptist Church in Magnolia and served as the pianist/organist the majority of her life, as well as a few years at Pleasant Hills Baptist Church in Bogue Chitto, Mississippi at age 14 for a total of over 44 years. Her singing voice was angelic. When her children were young, family often gathered around her playing the piano and singing at her parents' home, in duets with her beloved husband, Wayne. Anyone who met or knew Mrs. Spears described her as the sweetest person which endeared her to all. Due to her huge heart for animals, she was affectionately nicknamed, Elly May based on the character in the 1960's sitcom, The Beverly Hillbillies. She not only loved, doted, and provided for her own cats and dogs, but stray animals never went without something to eat, drink, a warm place to stay, and affection. As a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, and sister-in-law, she doted on her family and was happiest when she was surrounded by family. Mrs. Spears was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her two children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Maw Maw Rosie to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To know her was to lover her. Mrs. Spears will be greatly missed by all she touched.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 40 years, Carroll Wayne Spears.

Survivors include one son, Max and wife, Stephanie Spears of McComb, MS; one daughter, Mandy and husband, Harold Lacoste of Magnolia, MS; one brother Gillis Randal (Brother) and wife, Jeanie Windham of Summit, MS; six grandchildren Jordan and husband, Stephen Porter of Summit, MS; Ross and wife, Aubrey Spears of Mobile, AL; Logan Lacoste of Magnolia, MS; Anna Rose Lacoste of Magnolia, MS; Kyle Lacoste of Covington, LA and Kody Lacoste of Covington, LA;  and two great-grandchildren, Keller Porter of Summit, MS and Murphy Porter of Summit, MS. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews and other family members that loved her dearly.

Pallbearers will be Damon Spears, Jason Spears, Brandon Spears, Kris Smith, Ken Wilson, Milt Burris and Randy Davila.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Spears, Joe Lally, and Randy Smith.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 13, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., with the funeral service officiated by Reverend Greg Whitehead to immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. at Bala Chitto Baptist Church (2098 Bala Chitto Road Magnolia, MS 39652). Interment will be 5 miles east of Magnolia on Highway 48 at the family cemetery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Bala Chitto Baptist Church or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.