George & Charlotte Spear Charitable Fund

George and Charlotte Spear believed firmly in the value of education. Four generations of the Spear family have attended St. James Evangelical Lutheran School. To honor the legacy of their family’s dedication to and love for the school as well as their commitment to education, the Spears quietly set up the George & Charlotte Spear Charitable Fund in 2001 with the Community Foundation. The fund benefits St. James Evangelical Lutheran School.

“The money is not intended for bricks or mortar, but for the teachers and things needed in the classrooms,” said Charlotte about the fund.

Charlotte, a Quincy native, passed away in late 2007. George died in the summer of 2013. Charlotte and George, originally from Indiana, were married in 1951 at St. James Lutheran Church. They were well-known as active members of the community and for operating the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with their son, daughter-in-law, and grandson.

By establishing a fund with their Community Foundation, the Spears ensured that a place they care about will be taken care of for generations to come.

“Upon each one’s death, the family at Mom and Dad’s request suggested memorial donations to the Community Foundation which helped strengthen the impact of their fund,” said their son Jeff. “One final act of philanthropy from two of the most philanthropic people around.”

To learn more about St. James Evangelical Lutheran School, visit its website: www.stjamesquincy.org.