Sydney Elizabeth Spruill Spears

is honored with a Brick from Betty J. Bachman

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ship, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hands she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, he has no fear for her household for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also and he praises her: 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.' Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the rewards she has earned and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." Proverbs 31: 10-31.

These are the qualities of Sydney Spears. If you could describe Sydney in one word that word would be "character." She is passionate, graceful and funny. Sydney has taught me about life, love, integrity, perseverance, commitments and completing those commitments in the midst of adversity. I have witnessed this incredible woman face her worst fears and not only survive but continue pressing toward excellence. She is admired, emulated and respected for the woman she is and is a source of inspiration and strength.

Sydney Spears is married to Dr. Chester Spears and is the mother of two daughters. Her oldest daughter, Christy, died January 12, 1999. Kelly, her youngest daughter, is a senior at Kapaun Mount Carmel High School in Wichita. Her parents, Benjamin and June Spruill, and one sister, Susan and family, live in St. Louis. Her other two sisters, Joan and Gwen, reside in Milwaukee.

Sydney teaches courses in the School of Social Work. She has her bachelor's degree in Education and a master's degree in Education and Social Work. Presently, Sydney is ABD in the doctorate program at Smith College in Northampton, MA. She is also working at the WSU Counseling Center as a clinical social worker. Sydney's passions involve multicultural issues, human behavior, empowerment of all people, creativity, gardening and the arts.

It is with honor and privilege that we submit Sydney Elizabeth Spruill Spears to the Plaza of Heroines during this Christmas Season in which we celebrate Christ's life but also the individuals He allows us to travel the journey with!

With love and Merry Christmas!

Submitted by Betty, Bruce, Matthew, Sarah and Zachary Bachman