Clarice P. Spradling

Mary “Clarice” Parker Spradling

Mary Clarice Parker Spradling passed away peacefully on the morning of November 19, 2023.  Her death leaves a tremendous void in the lives of her friends and family, but we are all grateful for the wonderful memories she left with us. Clarice was born on November 30, 1928 in Vardaman, Mississippi.  She was the second daughter born to Forrest and Allie Dee Parker. The family moved to Pittsboro, Mississippi. Clarice graduated in 1945 from Pittsboro High School, where she played on the Ladies Basketball Team and was elected as Miss Pittsboro High School.  Clarice married Lindy Spradling in 1945 and together had three children – Jeannie, Gayle, and Charlie.  After her grandchildren were born, Clarice became affectionately known as “Biggie.”  Biggie was a fabulous seamstress who could sew anything.  She especially loved hand-quilting and made special quilts for each member of her family.  She had the honor of making a quilt for the 25th anniversary of the Bruce Sawmill Festival; the quilt was donated to the museum.
In addition to quilting, she was an accomplished pianist. Biggie enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, canning a variety of jellies, pickles, and was known for her famous vegetable soup.  Biggie, a voracious reader, always frequented the Bruce Library and loved learning about history.  She was fascinated with her family history, the history of Calhoun County, and American history.  She retired from Glenn Slacks & Devall Industries in Pittsboro and Bruce after 40 years of service where she was a seamster, dress designer and supervisor.  She was a member of Loosa Schoona Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was honored in March of this year for being a member for 50 years. Biggie was a member of First Baptist Church of Bruce for 74 years, the longest member on record.

Biggie is survived by her children, Jeannie Logan, Gayle Beard, and Charlie Spradling (Jan); her six grandchildren, Angela Logan, Emily Martin (Jason), Caleb Beard (Mandy), Sarah Beard, Adam Spradling and Charlie Ann Spradling; her three great-grandchildren, Allie Dee Martin, Ella and Brock Beard.  She also leaves behind her dear sister-in-law, Thelma Parker, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.  She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Lindy Spradling, and siblings Lela Allen, Sam Parker, Lucy Ferguson, and twin baby brothers, as well as her son-in-law Billy Joe Logan.

The family would like to thank Jackie Burns for the wonderful and loving care of our Mother and Grandmother.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Bruce, MS, P.O. Box 535, Bruce, MS  38915 or Loosa Schoona Chapter DAR, 15 CR 123, Houlka, MS  38850

The family will receive friends at Parker Memorial Funeral Home in Bruce on Wednesday, November 22nd .Visitation will be held from 11 am – 2 pm with the funeral to follow at the Chapel with Bro. Darrell Logan officiating. Burial will follow in Bruce Cemetery. Caleb Beard, Jessie Collins, Doug Ferguson, Joe Ferguson, Jason Martin, and Adam Spradling will serve as pallbearers. Allie Dee Martin, Ella Beard, Brock Beard, Parker Ferguson, Steve Ferguson, Will Ferguson, Joseph Fioranelli, Miles Jeffery, Sherry Kirby, and Members of the DAR will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Parker Memorial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Spradling family as they began this difficult journey in life. Please keep the Spradling family in your thoughts and prayers .