Girtha Spivey's Obituary
Girtha B. Spivey was born July 25th in Cloutierville, Louisiana to Phillip Jefferson and Beatrice Washington. She was the 12th child born to this union. Fifteen other siblings were also born to Phillip and Beatrice. Her parents and seven other siblings preceded her in death.
She attended public schools in Melrose, Louisiana and graduated from St. Mathews High School. She also did additional studies as she progressed in life. She desired to come to Tacoma Washington to join her sisters. While residing in Tacoma she met James E. Spivey. After a brief courtship, they were united in holy matrimony. To this union three sons were united, Leonard, who resides in Portland and two other siblings, James and William who reside in Tacoma. Girtha was also blessed with eight grandchildren, Anthony, Breanna, DeShawn, LaShay, Jamal, Thea, Demarko and Cynthia and two great-grandchildren, Anthony Jr and Vitoli. Girtha was employed by Johnny On the Mall. To better her economic condition she became employed by Fred Myers in the jewelry department. She rose from a sales position to manager of that department. She was employed by Fred Myers for 19 years. Following that, her entrepreneurial spirit led to her developing a daycare business in her own home. Girtha also devoted herself to the community. She was a member of the Unique Club that introduced young debutantes to the community. Girtha loved to cook. Her culinary skills led her to be employed by Joint Base, Fort Lewis-McCord where she would cook for ranger battalions and other air groups that were stationed at the base. Her signature meal was gumbo, sweet corn and waldorf salad which she would always cook for her family and guests.
Girtha loved the lord. She was baptized at a very early age at the St. Davis Baptist Church in Cloutierville, where she participated in the full life of the church. She was very serious about her relationship to Christ and as a result she united with Bethlehem Baptist church in Tacoma, where she was a member for over 30 years.
On Saturday, September 9th, at 10:00 am, God whom she loved and believed in called her to her reward. Girtha will be missed by both her family and the many friends she had over the years.
Remembrances may be shared at www.mountainviewtacoma.com
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