Pastor Jesse Lee

Spears

The Life & Legacy of

Pastor jesse L. Spears

Jesse L. Spears was born February 24, 1928, in Archibald, Louisiana, to the union of Ruben Sr. and Delia Spears. He was the second eldest of 10 children; and departed his earthly life on June 28, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, two brothers, and a son Kelvin.

At an early age, he sang in the choir and professed his love for God and dedicated his life to Christ. Pastor loved to sing and praise God, he sang in a Male Quartet, multiple Male Choruses and was a known soloist throughout the city.

Jesse L. Spears was ordained as a Deacon at Greater St. Mary's Missionary Baptist Church, Toledo in 1967. He was ordained as a minister at Morning Star Baptist Church, Toledo in 1970, where he later became the Assistant Pastor. He loved preaching and was an excellent teacher of the Word. He also hosted Revivals throughout the city of Toledo and his hometown in Louisiana.

Pastor Spears had a servant's heart, loved people and was called to Pastor at Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church in 1975. As a Man of God who worked to further the work of the Lord through Union Grove, he blessed many Toledo families in need through his generosity. Pastor was known as a caring, kind person, and loved by many because of his genuineness and being available when you needed him.

As a young adult Pastor demonstrated a commitment to service, serving in both the United States Army and the United States Air Force. He was also employed by the City of Toledo from 1966 through 1991.

Some of Pastor Spears accomplishments are as follows: Graduate of Toledo Bible College; Former Member of the Baptist Ministers' Foresight; Certificate of Congressional Recognition; Outstanding Servant Leadership Award; and his final accomplishment receiving, a Resolution from the Office of the City Council for being Toledo's oldest living and longest-serving active Pastor, reflecting a lifetime of devotion, perseverance, and extraordinary service to God and humanity, which he received on the day of his passing.

Pastor Spears loved his family. He was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather. He often thought about his family before himself. He gave selflessly to make sure everyone had what they needed. There was nothing that he would not do for his family. Over the years, he enjoyed catching and frying fish and bbq'ing for his family. He was a provider, a leader, and a protector in his home.

He leaves to cherish his memory: wife Laura Spears; three children, Melvin (Dora) Spears; Glenda Spears; Gale Spears of Toledo OH; sister Ardenia (Richard) Henry of Grand Rapids, MI; brothers Robert (Julia) Spears, Clearance (the late Willie Mease) Spears, of Toledo, OH; Ed (Annshay) Spears of Mckinney, TX and Lionel (Diana) Spears of (Pflugerville) TX; 4 grandchildren; Audrei Jeffries of Sandusky, OH; Andre (Johnetta) Avery; Melvin Spears of Toledo, OH; Shareyna (Julius) Spears-Johnson of Aubrey, TX. 4 great-grandchildren, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and church family.