Lenard Spears

Pastor Lenard Spears, was born October 20, 1965, in Coolidge, GA. He was a blessing to Joyce and the late Johnny Spears. On October 12, 2024, he went to be with the Lord. He spent most of his life living with or near his mother, they share an unbreakable bond and commitment to each other. Pastor Spears was introduced to the Lord early in life as a member of  New Bethel M. B. Church, Coolidge, GA. He was The Church's Founding Pastor in the Yard established in 2021. He had a passion for spreading the Gospel and serving others. Pastor Lenard Spears was a dedicated servant of God who preached the Word with conviction and compassion, always striving to make the teachings accessible to all. He was known for his warmth, tireless efforts in outreach, and unwavering commitment to the spiritual and physical well-being of the congregation and the surrounding community. Through his leadership, the Church in the Yard became a beacon of hope, offering not only spiritual guidance but also food, clothing, and support to those in need. Pastor Spears traveled the world with his parents and sister to places including Kentucky and Germany. He graduated from Thomas County Central High School in 1983. He joined the military shortly after following in his father's footsteps.

He married the love of his life, the late Phyllis Mitchell, and to this union two sons were born, Lenard Spears, Jr. and the late Antonio Spears, Sr.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his dedicated and most loving sister, Dedra (Alvin) Spears-Johnson. His sister set a great example of how a sister is to take care of her brother during his sickness. God gave her strength to be by his side; his nephew, Devon Johnson; niece, Mya Joyce Johnson, Upper Marlboro Maryland. He also leaves his brother, Raymond (Deb) Battle, Cape Coral Florida; niece, Tarquidia Burgess; nephews, Jason and Malcolm Battle. He leaves his aunts, Janice Johnson, Coolidge, GA; Brenda Calhoun, Moultrie, GA; Lillie Bell Spears, Meigs, GA; uncles, Clyde Johnson and Charles Johnson, Coolidge, GA; Willie (Lisa) Mack, Ashville North Carolina. His aunts and uncles were so proud of him. He was the first nephew to be born in the family and was loved and protected like Fort Knox. They would fight over who would hold him when he was a baby. He will be remembered also by his Godson Ka'jae Johnson; mother-in-Law, Francis Coston Mitchell, Thomasville, GA; brother/sister in law, Charles, Angelina, Jennifer Mitchell, Thomasville GA; a special friend and support, Dwan Notice and a host of cousins.

He was the apple of his maternal grandparents' life, the late Eddie B and Ruby Johnson; maternal great-grand parents the late George and Eula Mae McClain; paternal grandparents the late Viola and Tett Harris; paternal great-grand parents the late Seymore and Lorene Perry. He also was preceded in death by his father in law, Lewis Mitchell.