Sarah Spires

BIOGRAPHY

Spires claimed to have been born in Jackson County, Florida, USA, on 10 April 1910, to parents Armstrong Purdee (1856–1937) and Gracie White (1870–1968). Her father was the first African-American lawyer in Jackson County. She had four siblings (one adopted), all of whom she outlived. Her maternal grandmother, Francis White, was a full-blooded Seminole Indian. She received her early education in the schools of Jackson County. Later, she earned a degree from Whites Beautician School of Cosmetology and was certified and licensed by the State of Florida. She worked at Jackson County Hospital, initially caring for patients on her floor. With a goal to become a Licensed Practical Nurse, she began taking classes. During this time, she also spent many years caring for newborn babies in the nursery. Additionally, she frequently assisted in the operating room, handing surgical instruments to the surgeons during procedures.

In 1934, she married Willie Elliot Spires (1870–1956). Her husband was a carpenter, farmer, and owner of Spires Headstone Business. The couple had 10 children, and they later raised one of their grandsons. The family cultivated a diverse vegetable garden and also raised farm animals.

Spires was a devoted lifelong member of New Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church for over 50 years, continually working there until her health began to decline. Initially, she joined St. James A.M.E. Church at a young age, while her husband, Willie, was already a member of New Mt. Olive Baptist Church. She preferred her children to attend church with her on some Sundays and with their father on others. However, eventually, they began attending exclusively with their father. Consequently, she decided to join New Mt. Olive Baptist Church herself. At the church, she served as a Sunday school teacher for the senior women. In the early days of the church, she taught the primary and intermediate Sunday school classes, sang in the choir, served as a deaconess and usher, and worked in the church kitchen. She served as the church clerk for 27 years and worked on the Senior No. 1 Mission Board. Additionally, she was actively involved in the Baptist Training Union (BTU) of the Second West Florida Missionary Baptist Association, the 5th Sunday Congress, and various other capacities within the church. She was also a member of the Heroines of Jericho, Local Court No. 225, the Marianna Housekeeping Garden Club, Jackson County Senior Citizens, and the Capital City Democratic Women’s Club in Tallahassee. She received birthday greetings and congratulations from Presidents Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Governor Jeb Bush.

When asked about the secret of her longevity, she attributed it solely to God and living by the Golden Rule. At the age of 110, it was reported that she continued to live her life according to the Bible. At that time, she was unable to attend church services due to her health, but she received pastoral visits.

Spires passed away in Marianna, Florida, USA, on 10 January 2022, at the claimed age of 111 years, 275 days. She was survived by six daughters and one son, 24 grandchildren (one raised as a son), 28 great-grandchildren, 22 great-great-grandchildren, and two great-great-great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “105th Birthday Celebration for Jackson County Centenarian” – Dothan Eagle, 17 April 2015

* “Supercentenarian Sarah Purdee Spires celebrates 110th birthday” – Dothan Eagle, 18 April 2020

* “Birthday in style: Marianna woman celebrates 111th birthday with drive-by party” – WCTV, 11 April 2021

* “Sarah Purdee Spires dies at 111” – Dothan Eagle, 19 January 2022

* “Obituary For Deaconess Mother Sarah Purdee Spires” – Peoples Funeral Home (Marianna, FL)

* Sarah Purdee Spires – Find A Grave

GALLERY

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