Mrs. Betty Elizabeth Owens Spears, age 81 of Independence, VA passed away at the Grayson Nursing and Rehab Center in Independence, VA on Monday, December 22, 2025.  She was born in Grayson County, Virginia on May 26, 1944, to Arthur Andrew and Donna Rose Hodge Owens.  Mrs. Spears spent her life providing for her family.  She was a loving wife to her husband, Clinton Eugene Spears who preceded her in death on September 10, 2025.  She was also a devoted and dedicated mother to her two sons, Jeffrey and Wendy Merilic of Independence, VA and Tyrone and Misty Merilic of Ft. Chiswell, VA.  In addition to her two sons, she is survived by one sister, Evelyn and Tommy Edwards of Sparta, NC; and one granddaughter, Brandi Merilic; one great grandson, Wyatt Hicks also survives.

The family is honoring the final wishes of Mrs. Spears that all services be private.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Spears family.