Our school district and Arp, America has lost a valuable member of its administration, and its family.
Business manager Jill Spearman passed away Thursday Feb. 2 at the age of 53.
According to her obituary, she died, "mostly from a broken heart."
In 2021, she lost her husband Alvin, and had continued to grief his passing until her death.
Her co-workers describe her as, "always being a helpful, and caring individual."
"She was an amazing friend," expressed accounts payable administrator Jana Wagstaff. "She's going to be missed."
Mrs. Spearman had been employed at Arp ISD since Jan. 2021 and was instrumental in the massive task of maintaining the district's finance books in order.
As part of her duties, she ensured that every department within Arp ISD stayed within its allocated yearly budget.
Wagstaff worked with her for ten years at Carlisle ISD, and says Spearman asked her to join her at Arp when she began working here.
"She taught me a lot in the school business. We were a pretty good team together," Wagstaff conveyed.
"Through her public school system financial expertise, she helped provide so many opportunities for our Arp Tiger students," explained Arp ISD superintendent Shannon Arrington.
"There was never a person that she wouldn't help," stressed Tina Grammier, the administrative assistant to the superintendent. She added that she wouldn't hesitate to assist anyone whether it was, "here or at any other school district."
Jill also worked part-time for Leverett's Chapel ISD.
In addition, she was also a mentor to a number of young people.
Celebration of life services will be held at The Cammack Family Sullivan Funeral Home located at 100 E. Travis St. in Marshall.
Visitation is from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday Feb. 12, with a funeral scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Monday Feb. 13.
It is with a heavy heart that we at Arp ISD offer our deepest condolences to Jill's family, and loved ones, especially for her two sons Colby, and Ben.
Arrington has asked all staff members to please pray for their entire family, in particular those two young men.
Grief counseling is available for any student or staff member that feels in need of it.
"We love you Jill."