Barbara Louise Spear, 100, of Fayetteville, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Carolina Inn.

Born on June 3, 1926, in Alton, New Hampshire, Barbara was the daughter of the late Benjay Lane and Mildred Gilman Lane. On September 29, 1949, she married the love of her life, Wayne Spear, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Drew, and her grandson, Joshua Spear.

Barbara is survived by her sons, Benjay Spear and wife, Dolly; Wayne "Kip" Spear and wife, Susan; Alan Spear and wife, Jamie; and William Spear. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Mary Horne, Benjay Spear, James Spear, Amanda Spear, great-grandchildren, Taylor, Lauren, Ashley, Mallory, Lauren, Kellen, Sean, Caleb, Jacob, Ethan, Abbie and great-great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Nathan, Avery, Wren, and Sage.

Barbara earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire and dedicated many years to educating young minds as a teacher with the Farmington School System. A devoted public servant, she served as a member of the New Hampshire State Legislature and made history as the first woman elected as Selectman for the Town of Farmington, New Hampshire.

She found great joy in traveling and reading and treasured the time she spent with family and friends. Barbara was a faithful member of Arran Lake Baptist Church in Fayetteville and the Fayetteville Woman's Club.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.

A funeral service will also be held in Farmington, New Hampshire. The date and time will be announced at a later date. Barbara will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at Pine Grove Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.jerniganwarren.com

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301, and Peaslee Funeral Home, 24 Central Street, Farmington, NH 03835.