Family and Friends gathered in the home of Lucy B. Stewart Speller recently to celebrate her 107th birthday. Known as ‘Aunt,’ and ‘Sister,’ to many because she and her ‘hubby’ had no biological children but they were responsible for the success of so many.
Students of Wesley and children of their friends eagerly recall the love, support, financial assistance and parental guidance they received from them. Many lived with the Spellers while attending public school and college.
Lucy, born in 1904, made her house a ‘home’ and she took pride in planning her meals and entertaining her clubs; the reward was the passion and joy she received from doing this. She was often called the “hostess with the ‘mostest.’”
Lucy’s friends and relatives have benefited from her wisdom, advice and suggestions even when it wasn’t solicited. She had standards that you were expected to observe and respect. There were two things that those entering her home had to be mindful of: no eating while standing and not taking food out that was not wrapped or in containers. These suggestions, given with love and care, were graciously accepted by all.
Lucy had many talents including serving as a professional planner for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and other functions. She was the planner for her own golden wedding anniversary.
She was a member of Calvary Episcopal Church and demonstrated her love for children and her church by taking children to Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and serving as one of its teachers.
The greatest expression of her love and dedication to her family was providing health care for her mother, ‘Ma’ Stewart as she was called, her father and sister, Marie. Her mother was bed ridden for more than 10 years and Lucy spent nights providing this care.
For many years, relatives and friends began arriving at the Speller home on Aug. 4 without invitation to celebrate Lucy’s birthday. No party was planned, no invitations issued, yet it was a party with good fellowship and good food. It was like a reunion for many had not seen one another since the last time. The party would continue until the honoree said “Go home.” Without debate, the guests said their goodbyes and left.
Why do guests come from far and near? They come to salute an icon, the lady of the hour who is a Friend with a capital ‘F’; one who is treasured by relatives, neighbors and other friends.
