Dorothy Spears Obituary

Dorothy "Dot" Parlier Spears Charleston - Dorothy "Dot" Parlier Spears, 85, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 26, 2022. Dot lived an incredible life filled with family, friends and gratitude. She was an inspiration to all and a second mother to many whom admired her zest for life, dedication to family and independent demeanor. Born in Gastonia, NC, Dot knew what she wanted in life and set her goals early. Her number one goal was to create a warm and loving family. She succeeded in her goal. After graduating from Gastonia High School in 1955, Dot enrolled in beauty school. An avid dancer, Dot taught Tap, Ballet and Jazz throughout her teenage years and into her 20s. She won many talent competitions and beauty pageants during these early years. She opened her first business early in life and did so to help support her and her mother during difficult times. In 1961, she met her future husband, MG Stanhope "Stan" S. Spears, and they married in 1963. Dot and Stan were married for 57 years prior to his passing in 2020. He was the love of her life. Dot spent the next few decades raising her two children, Stan Jr. and Alester. During these years she also opened her second business, Mademoiselle, and eventually became a successful real estate agent. She was active in Forest Lake Presbyterian Church serving on various committees and involved in Circle. She was active and held offices in Mimosa Garden Club, was a member of Saraband, her beloved Bridge Club, Spring Valley Country Club and members of various other organizations and clubs with her husband. From 1994 until 2010, Dot whole-heartly campaigned and supported her husband in his elected position as the 26th Adjutant General of the State of South Carolina. She took great pride in accompanying her husband to many national/international events and working with the South Carolina National Guard Family Readiness Program. She had great admiration for all the sacrifices that the entire family makes when a family member is serving the country. She played a major role in hosting the leaders of the Albanian Government/Military when they visited South Carolina while her husband was in office. Dot spent her spare time with family and friends while enjoying travel, food, wine, music and her place of peace, the family's Edisto Beach home. She is known for her humor, wit, sense of style, beauty, grace and her ability to always shoot straight. Dot is predeceased by her mother, Myrtle Ogle Parlier; her father, Joseph Tobias Parlier; her devoted husband, Stan Spears, Sr; her first born son, Stan Jr. Surviving is her son, Michael Alester Spears and his partner, Phillip Pettis of Edisto Beach and Charleston. She is also survived by her grandson, Ford, and her niece Suzanne Wilson (and Family) and Derek Spears (and Family). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to a charity of one's choice. A Celebration of Life is tentatively planned for May 14th, 2022, from 4-7 p.m. at Spring Valley Country Club in Columbia, SC. Dot wanted people to celebrate the joy in life and fellowship together as they remember her. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston