A funeral service took place Jan. 25 at Jersey City Deliverance Temple, Jersey City, for Eugene Spears. He passed away Jan. 18. He was born in Anniston, Alabama, to William Howard Spears and Sallie Smith-Spears. Most affectionately known as “Gene,” he attended the public school system in Anniston. During the Great Migration, the Spears family moved to Jersey City in pursuit of a new life. At an early age, he would shine shoes for extra money. He also served as caregiver for many relatives who were incapable of taking care of themselves. Eugene and wife Patricia were blessed with three beautiful children. Gene found God when he joined Miracle Temple Church in 1987 and remained a faithful member ever since. He occasionally served as church bus driver. If you wanted to get somewhere in five minutes or less, you called Gene! For thirty years, he was employed by Local 325 as a laborer at various construction sites. Gene was predeceased by his parents; brothers Samuel and Carl; grandson Jalil; and brothers in law Don and Larry. To commemorate Gene’s life and cherish his memory are his companion Patricia Boyd; children Diane (Ira) Jackson, Regina (Kenneth) White, Lorraine Spears, Michele Boyd, Tray’ce (Demond) McFadden, Sharanda (Wilson) Atavwigho, and Eugene Spears Jr.; his sisters Virginia Henderson, Rose (Robert) Bailey and Betty Burke; 20 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; friend Arlene Forrester; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Services arranged by the Jackson Funeral Residence, Jersey City.