With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Rachel Spears, 85, widow of Johnny Spears of Bronx, NY, who passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026.

Life Reflections

"For I am ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight

I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.     !! Timothy 4:6-7

Rachel Whitaker Spears, the daughter of the late Woodrow W. Whitaker, Sr. and Ethel Mae Simmons Whitaker, was born on November 28, 1940 in Florence County. She departed this life on March 28, 2026. She was educated in the Florence County public school system.

At an early age, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized in 1955 by Reverend Rogers at Jordan Chapel Freewill Baptist Church.

Rachel migrated from South Carolina to New York. She was employed December 15, 1965 by the American Book Stratford Press Company as a Bookbinder. She worked for 18 years and resigned January 11, 1983. During her early career, Rachel was given the opportunity to join the Graphic Arts International Union Local 43B.

The love of Christ was a major part of Rachel's life. She joined the Goodwill Baptist Church July 1973 under pastorate of the late Reverend Rufus Thomas and remained an active member until her illness. In 1976, Rachel became a member of the Baptist Educational Center where training for Christian Workers was provided.

Rachel met and fell in love with Mr. Johnny Spears and they were joined in Holy Matrimony on November 10, 1973 by Reverend William M. Robinson. Rachel and Johnny had a great love for children, and they became foster parents to many, many children. They later decided to adopt two brothers, Leighton Thomas Smith Spears and Dante Smith Spears. They continue to love and teach them the ways of Christ, and they were both baptized at the Goodwill Baptist Church. Family, her home and her plants was everything to Rachel. She definitely had a green thumb and there were plants in every room and corner of her home. She was a resident of Coop City for greater than 40 years.

Rachel was predeceased by; her parents and husband. She leaves to cherish her precious memories: two sons, Leighton Thomas Smith Spears of NY and Dante Smith Spears of Texas; three sisters, Jettie Mae (Chester) Brand of Richmond VA, Virginia Whitaker of Bronx, NY and Margaret Williams of Richmond, VA; one brother, Woodrow Whitaker, Jr. of Lake City, SC; one aunt, Dora S. Dickson of Lake City, SC; one granddaughter, Leahniya Imari Spears; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other reatives and close friends.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Lake, SC. 843-354-2292.