Former Buffalonian turns 107 years old

by Frank Gist

Anna Spearman

My best friend in third grade was a boy named Daryl Spearman who had a twin sister, Sheryl. They lived in a stately home on Humbolt Parkway. There were times I would sleep over at the Spearman home that was always immaculate compared to mine. Mrs. Spearman was the perfect homemaker who cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For some strange reason I always remember she would make us toasted peanut and jelly sandwiches with cold milk before bedtime. The Spearman household was just different than mine, and when I told my mother about the extra things Mrs. Spearmen would do, she would get upset and tell me to go live with them! As the years passed Daryl and my life moved on, but I always remembered my time with the Spearman family. That same Mrs. ANNA SPEARMAN Spearman just celebrated her 107th birthday. That right 107 years old.

Former Buffalonian Mrs. Anna Lee Spearman (nee Jenkins) joined a very exclusive club this month when she celebrated her 107th Birthday in her hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas. Born Jan 30, 1919, she moved from Little Rock to Niagara Falls as a young woman in the 1940’s for better opportunities that were not available in the Jim Crow south. One Sunday while attending church, she met a young war veteran named Samuel Spearman and the two were married in the summer of 1947. The Spearman’s made their home on Humboldt Parkway in Buffalo, where they raised their twin children, Daryl and Sheryl Spearman-Tyson, both of whom reside in Little Rock, Arkansas today.

In 1987, after her lifelong love Samuel passed away, and Anna Lee soon returned to hometown, Little Rock, where she has lived happily and comfortably for the past 38 years; surrounded with family and friends. She is still very active and independent while living her best life, according to all who know and love her. Buffalo is still proud to call her our own and wish her a very Happy 100th Birthday.