Virginia Cleo (Sweeney) Spivey

Virginia Cleo Spivey was born September 23, 1926 to Glenn L. Sweeney and Mattie Haynes Sweeney in Ronceverte, West Virginia. The youngest of three children, Virginia and her family moved to Columbus, Ohio when she was just nine months old. As a young girl, Virginia received her primary education in the Columbus Public School System, where she attended Champion Junior High School and East High School. However, before graduating, she moved with her mother to Los Angeles, California where she finished school and received her diploma. After high school, Virginia enrolled in Pasadena Junior College where she studied nursing, earned her degree, and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. While she worked with a number of medical doctors in the city of Columbus, her longest held nursing position was with Dr. Ernest Newkirk in the specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Woodland Medical Arts Center. Cleo, as she was affectionately called, was a Christian woman and a special lady. Upon working as a dedicated nurse, attending church, and being a caring and devoted mother and grandmother, Cleo met and eventually married James Henry Spivey, Jr. on December 7, 1967. James and Cleo joined First A.M.E. Zion Church on July 15, 1979. Cleo joined the Usher Board and greeted everyone with her beautiful smile. She was also a faithful member of the Stewardess Board of First A.M.E.Z., where her mother-in-law, Mary Spivey, was President. Her husband, James, is a longtime, dedicated member of the Steward Board at the church as well. At the age of 86, Virginia Cleo Spivey passed away Saturday, September 29, 2012 at the Echo Manor Care Center in Pickerington, Ohio. She was predeceased by her beloved daughter Cheryl Ann Lytle Woodward, mother Martha Sweeney Jackson, sister Harriet Sweeney, brother Glenn Sweeney, mother-in-law Mary Spivey, and sisters-in-law, Louise Spivey Joyner, Vermell Spivey Middleton, and Mary Spivey Rhea. Left to cherish memories of Cleo are her devoted husband James H. Spivey; sister Joreece Smith; grandchildren Monica Hodoh and Gina Smith; 4 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, nieces, Jan Joyner, Robin Rhea, and Suzanne Rhea, all of Columbus, Ohio, Karen Middleton and Angela Middleton of Bronx, New York; nephews, Dana Middleton of Carrollton, Texas, Sidney Spivey, Tyler Rhea, and Nigel Pannell, all of Columbus; brother-in-law William Middleton of Bronx, New York; and a host of many other relatives and friends. Homegoing Celebration 12 noon, Friday, October 5, 2012 at First A.M.E. Zion Church, 873 Bryden Road, where the family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the start of service. Pastor Charles Tyler, Sr., officiating. Interment Glen Rest Memorial Estate.