Mrs. Edie Lovirn Spivey

Edie Lovirn Spivey, of Rosiclare, IL, died surrounded by loved ones, on Friday, January 19, 2018 at the Rosiclare Rehabilitation & Health Care Center. She was 83.
Lovirn (Edie to her sisters) was born at home on October 28, 1934 in Spark’s Hill (now Elizabethtown), Illinois to Odie (Page) & Hillis Price. Her birth was followed by that of her sisters Laurie, Ethel, & twins Bonnie & Barb. The sisters were more than just close & with their mother working to provide for them, Edie was left to raise them from the time she was 8 years old. It was a role she cherished and played for the rest of her life. Her sisters fondly remember her keeping a “tight household” & being strict with them, especially with schoolwork. They still recall her reciting Bible verses to help them remember as she taught them by playing “Bible Tic Tac Toe”. The one they quote as her favorite is from John 14: 1, 2 & 3.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am.”
Lovirn attended Central Grade School & then Cave-In-Rock High School where she graduated in June 1952. Before graduating, however, she met & married the love of her life, Billy Fredrick Spivey in December 1952. Lovirn had a mature and serious nature and recalled that Billy made her laugh & made her more spontaneous. A year after their marriage came their first son Danny, followed by sons Randy & Charlie. They lived in their home on Spring Street in Rosiclare from the time of their marriage in 1952, until Lovirn was forced by Parkinson’s disease, to move to a small apartment in 2016.
Lovirn’s first job after graduating high school was working at Alcoa Mine in Rosiclare, IL. She left there in 1968 to be a secretary at Rosiclare High School which allowed her to be closer to her sons. When the principal of RHS moved to become the superintendent, he promoted Lovirn to secretary for his unit office.
Lovirn’s longest job was with the Ozark-Mahoney Mining Company in Rosiclare, IL. She was the last employee there when the mines were eventually closed. While working full-time at Ozark-Mahoney & raising a family, Lovirn went to night school & completed her associate’s degree. She was also a member of the Fluorspar Day Committee. She enjoyed decorating the floats for the Fluorspar Day parade each year as well as being a judge for the local beauty pageant.
Lovirn was active in her church and community until her death. She was a devout Christian and attended the First Christian Church in Rosiclare, Illinois every Wednesday and twice on Sundays. She served as a church board member as well as church secretary & in the women’s organization WWCC (Willing Workers of the Christian Church). Members of the church remember her singing solos as well as duets with Mrs. Donna Tadlock. Sometimes duets became a trio when Lovirn brought her granddaughter, Kendra to the microphone with them. In tough financial times, Lovirn always worked hard to make sure the church doors stayed open and all that wanted to worship were welcome. Fellow church members recall her as a busy, willing worker for the Lord & the church. Always volunteering & doing what she could to help others.
In her community, Lovirn served many volunteer hours as a Rosiclare town board member (even temporarily as mayor), the Rosiclare Memorial Public Library board (as a member & trustee), the Hardin County Hospital Auxiliary, & the Hardin County Fluorite Museum. At one time, it was suggested to Lovirn that she run for the Mayor of Rosiclare (she would have been the first woman ever). In her usual, humble manner, she declined.
Lovirn loved spending time with her family and friends (she had many of both). She travelled with her husband, Billy and her sister, Ethel. Her favorite trip was to Australia. In later life, she enjoyed going to the Golden Circle to socialize and listen to music. She also loved any opportunity to visit her sisters, half-siblings, her children, her grandchildren & her great-grandchildren (also many nieces, nephews, cousins). She took care of so many relatives and loved ones, it is impossible to mention them all.
Lovirn was a tireless worker, a devoted servant of the Lord, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, friend…the list goes on. She was virtuous, humble, generous, gracious, independent, loving, strong, smart and beautiful inside and out. She was a constant reminder of the good that is still in the world. She will be forever missed and loved by all that knew her.
Lovirn is survived by her sons, Danny (Georgia) Spivey, Randy (Tami) Spivey, Charlie (Melba) Spivey. Her grandchildren, Kendra (Clayton) Arnold, Amanda (Kory) Leighty, Barrett (Keshia Mercurio) Spivey, Jeremy (Courtney Webb) Spivey & John David Spivey. Her great-grandchildren Kuri, Conner, Eleanore, Tristan & Tinley. Her sisters Laura (Billy) Hogan, Ethel (Doodle) Tolbert, Bonnie Carter & Barb Blackburn. Her half-siblings Pearly (Harold) Lindsey, Bobby Price, Billy (Sharon) Price, Beth (David) Weaver & John (Susan) Price.
Lovirn is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy Spivey, her mother (Odie Holbrook), her step-father (Cappy Holbrook), her father (Hillis Price), and many cherished friends.
Hardin County Funeral Services, Cox Funeral Home, is in charge of arrangements. A visitation will be held on Monday January 22, 2018 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Rev. Ed Lafferty will read the obituary and have prayer at 8:00P.M. A private family burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Rosiclare Memorial Public Library and/or the First Christian Church of Rosiclare.