Biography:

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   II 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 20, 2026 at the Regeis Care Center where she was a resident since May 28, 2024. She was educated in the Florence County 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 the 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 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 her 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, 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, and nephews, and other relatives and close friends.