- Date Of Birth: February 19, 1939
- Date Of Death: November 2, 2013
- State: California
Mrs. Spikes peacefully passed away at a local medical care facility. She is the mother of Margie Spikes-Tucker, Gwendolyn Spikes-Golden and Gerri Thomas.
Viewing is Monday, November 11th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Mortuary.
On February 19, 1939, God blessed the world with the birth of Lois Marie Johnson. She was born in Center, Texas to George and Milree Johnson. When her work here on this earth was done, God called her home to be with Him on November 2, 2013.
Lois was the second of three children born to George and Milree, born only forty-five minutes before her twin brother. Sadly, Louis only lived six months. Lois and her older brother Thomas had a full, rich childhood in Center, Texas. As fate would have it, Lois actually met the love of her life when she was just an infant; for Thomas had a best friend named Jerry Spikes. The Johnson family eventually found their way to Barstow, California where Lois attended Barstow High School, and reunited with Jerry. She graduated in June of 1957. Lois and Jerry would decide to spend the rest of their lives together. They were married August 3, 1957, and moved to San Diego, California.
Lois always had aspirations to become a nurse. She attended school for a short while at then, San Diego State College. During her first semester she discovered she was pregnant with her first child, Patricia Anne. Even though she withdrew from the program, she never lost the desire to care for others, as is evident in the way she lived her entire life. Shortly after Patricia was born, Lois became pregnant with her second child, Margie Nell. Three years after Margie was born, Lois and Jerry welcomed their third child, Gwendolyn Renee. In just two short years, they welcomed their fourth and last child, Gerri Lynn. Each child bought with her a special spirit that was nurtured and encouraged by Lois and Jerry.
Lois sacrificed her career for her children, which she never regretted. Her family and their well-being was a priority for Lois. She gave tirelessly to her husband, children, extended family and those in her community. Even as the family grew, she always found ways to help support others, even taking in her nieces and nephews during their times of need.
The young Spikes family began to make lasting memories in, as well as an indelible mark on, the San Diego community. Jerry had just begun his long and illustrious career in construction with Daley Corporation, and Lois continued working in the fields of healthcare and education, using her innate ability to support and care for others.
Raising four daughters was no easy feat. Each daughter had their own personality and it was extremely important to both Lois and Jerry to nourish and support those personalities. For Lois, she felt the extra pressure to raise daughters who would become strong, independent women. To that end, there were infinite conversations about the roles of women, financial and emotional independence, the importance of education, and the strength needed to be successful in this society. Lois gifted her daughters with traits she felt important for their independent personalities. To Patricia, the eldest, she nurtured her natural ability to care for others, the skills necessary to be business savvy, and the eternal optimism that things would always work out for good. Margie was gifted with a quiet strength rivaled by few, a great sense of humor and a strong determination to achieve her goals no matter what the obstacles. To Gwendolyn, she nurtured her intellectual ability, her desire to help others and her great creativity. To Gerri, she was able to channel her strength of leadership, her loving spirit and her ability to temper her outspokenness.
Education was paramount for Lois and Jerry. They sacrificed greatly to educate their children and provide them with experiences and opportunities that they themselves were not afforded. In addition, as each grand-child was born, they were able to provide them with the love and support that could only come from a grand-parent. They made sure, as parents, each daughter had what they needed to create a positive environment for their children. Lois even resigned a job to take care of her first born grandson, Jeremy. This was a testament to her devotion to her family.
As Lois’ health declined, she remained a loving, caring mother and wife. The loss of a husband of 42 years would be enough to cripple even the strongest woman. But Lois continued to endure and find purpose and meaning in her life despite losing her best friend and soulmate.
Those who have preceded Lois in death are her husband, Jerry Spikes, daughter, Patricia Anne, father, George Johnson, brother, Louis Johnson, and sister-in-law Barbara Johnson. She leaves to celebrate her homegoing her daughters, Margie Spikes-Tucker, Gwendolyn Spikes-Golden, and Gerri Thomas; her mother, Milree Stone, brother, Thomas Johnson, grandchildren, Jeremy Allen, Leanna Marie, Kelsey Olivia, Elliott Perry Bradford, Maya Alon, Janelle Marie, and Alana Marie; son-in-laws, Steven Golden, Terry Thomas, and Bennie Tucker; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, extended family, and countless friends.
