Barbara Jean (Crum) Spivey
June 26, 1934 — July 14, 2017
Born in Tulsa, OK on June 26th, 1934 to Gilbert and Edna Crum and welcomed into God’s embrace on July 14th, 2017.
Barbara grew up in Birmingham, AL, went to Auburn University, and on a summer break after her second year she met Chuck, who was traveling with the Princeton Seminary Choir. Chuck was staying as guest in the home of Barbara’s parents. He fell in love with her at first sight. It took many letters between them for her to realize that Chuck was a gift given to her from God and on June 25th, 1953, they married. They then moved to Princeton, NJ for Chuck to finish his degree in Theology. Once ordained, Chuck was called to be a pastor at churches in Houston and Snyder, TX and soon followed their 5 children: Dan, Allan, Randy, and the twins – Suanne and Steve. They moved to the Kansas City area in 1962, where Chuck and Barbara started the Knox United Presbyterian Church. Barbara organized the Women’s Fellowship, taught Sunday school, and worked together with Chuck for 31 years to build the church. In 1993, they retired and hit the road in their 5th wheel trailer, traveling this vast country. They landed in the Rio Grande Valley, which they have called home since 2005, and found their new home church, Treasure Hills Presbyterian Church.
Barbara was well-known as the recipe go-to person, collecting large numbers of cookbooks over the years. She was loved by all who met her; she never met a stranger who was not soon her friend for life.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 64 years, Rev. R. Charles (Chuck) Spivey, her 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.
A memorial will be held on Monday, July 17th, 11 a.m., at Treasure Hills Presbyterian Church in Harlingen.
In lieu of flowers, please send contribution to the Barbara Spivey Memorial Fund at Treasure Hills Presbyterian Church, 2120 Ed Carey, Harlingen, TX 78550.