Lewis County Person Of The Week: Lawrence & Norma Spears

Q.) Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

A.) Norma - I married young, raised our girls. Our son went to heaven and left us too soon. We grew up together on a farm and have lots of memories of our life on Napier. God is do faithful."

Lawrence - Married the day before my 19th birthday. I have had a wonderful life, Delivered furniture for 14 years in the day time and started installing flooring in the afternoon into the night for years. Then, flooring became full-time when we bought our current location in 1987 and still working today.

Q.) Where did you grow up?

A.) Norma-Linden, Coon Creek

Lawrence - Hohenwald, Swiss Colony

Q.) What is one of your fondest childhood memories?

A.) Norma - Coming home from school to watch American Bandstand & 5 o'clock hop. I loved to dance.

Lawrence - Ms. Emma Whip would bring me a stick of peppermint candy and Dad (Henry Spears) would give her a ride to town.

Q.) What did you want to be as a kid? What did you actually become?

A.) Norma - I wanted to be a nurse. I became a housewife and Lawrence's helper.

Lawrence - I wanted to be a Road Worker like my Dad.

Q.) Who was/is your biggest role model?

A.) Norma - My Mom. My Dad died when I was 4.

Lawrence - My first real boss, Mr. Wallace Poore. Wallace Poore Furniture Co. (where the Dwelling Place Church is now)

Q.) What are some of your favorite hobbies/ how do you like to spend your free time?

A.) Norma - Flower beds and gardening. My chickens and pups.

I just love to be outside and to can and cook.

Lawrence - In my younger days, my CB handle was "Eagle Claw", I love to fish and hunt.

Q.) If you could go anywhere, in or out of the states, where would it be? Why?

A.) Norma - Alaska, the pictures look breathtaking.

Lawrence - Just wade the Buffalo River and fish.

Q.) What is one of your favorite things about living in Hohenwald?

A.) Norma - That it is not crowded like the big cities, you know everyone. Friendly town and helping hands when needed.

Lawrence - Low crime, clean & good drinking water. Good neighborly town.

Q.) What do you enjoy most about your job?

A.) Both - Changing the look of peoples homes, meeting new friends and neighbors.

Q.) If you could invite any famous person over for dinner, who would it be? Why?

A.) Norma - Ms. Kitty off Gunsmoke (but we don't drink)

Lawrence - If she is Ms. Kitty, I'll be Matt Dillon.

Q.) Is there any life advice you could give to our readers?

A.) Norma - Put Jesus first in your life, teach and train your babies about eternity & Jesus. Honor and respect your Husband.

Lawrence - Always tell the truth, you want to remember what you said. Marriage is a commitment for better or for worse.

Date of Wedding: August 28, 1964. Years together: 60 years

What has been your "Marital Motto"?

"Put Jesus first in your life and family. Get to the house of the Lord!"

Advice to newly married couples:

"Communicate/Talk it out, Don't try to keep up with the world/wealthy."

What is your favorite aspect of being married?

Lawrence, always said "If you are leaving, pack two bags, I'm going with you, Babe!"