Ms. Effie Marie Giddens Spady, daughter of the late Lloyd Henry Giddens and Annie Maude Baines, boarded an evening flight and entered into eternal bliss on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018, at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital surrounded by family and friends.
She was born on March 14, 1941, in Franktown. Ms. Spady received her education in the Northampton County School System and furthered her education through the Northampton-Accomack Memorial Hospital. She was baptized at Bethel Baptist Church under the administration of Dr. L. L. Ford and was a faithful and dedicated member of Bethel where she served in many capacities for more than 60 years. Specifically, she was a member of the Willie Frank Tanner Jr. Gospel Chorus and co-founder of the Rosebud Choir and Ushers. She also served in various other ministries such as Scholarship, Hospitality, Culinary and Nurses Guild.
Ms. Spady was employed for 33 years at the Northampton-Accomack Memorial Hospital. It was there she made many dear and lasting friends. She was involved in community activism as she carried out the mandate of the prophet, Micah, Chapter 6, Verse 8, “What does the Lord require of thee, but to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with thy God.” Ms. Spady could always be seen with her best friend and sister, Jane, at the hospital, riding around the Shore, taking trips to Richmond and just about everywhere else! She assisted with the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations, numerous voter registration drives, NAACP events and other community banquets. She was an advocate for social justice and a lifetime member of the NAACP. Ms. Spady was a proud recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award. She served as treasurer for the Virginia-Maryland Baptist Association District II Sunday School Convention for over 20 years and was known as “Aunt Effie” to the students of the Boston College Volunteer Program.
Ms. Spady absolutely adored her family, which was obvious through the great pride she and her sister took in running the family business, Giddens’ Do Drop Inn, the oldest ongoing African-American business in Northampton County. Ms. Spady kept the legacy of her parents alive as she and her sister prepared the facility for many community events. Her pride and joy were her children, Deborah and Stacy. She loved and constantly kept them dear to her heart and was without a doubt the woman they spoke of in Proverbs 31:28, “Her children will rise up and call her blessed.” To know Ms. Spady was to encounter one of God’s greatest jewels who left nuggets of love in the hearts and spirits of all she met.
Ms. Spady was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Lloyd Henry Giddens Jr.; and a godson, Tobias Webb. Those who remain to celebrate her life and carry on her legacy are her daughter and son, Deborah Griffin (Bruce) and Stacy Giddens (Cheryl); three grandchildren, Glen Parker Jr. (Brandy), Bruce Griffin Jr. (Joyván), Brandon Griffin (Kristianna); four sisters, Annie Mae Fisher, Margaret Washington, ML Giddens and Jane Giddens Cabarrus; one brother, Wilmor Giddens (Dorothy); one aunt, Margaret Sarah Webb; a sister-in-law, Mary H. Giddens; ten great-grandchildren; two goddaughters, TaShica White and Tiffany Smith; a son she called her own, Pastor Kelvin F. Jones; an extended son, Kendrick Hope; three extended sisters, Judy Anderson, Audrey C. Brickhouse and Judy Jones; an extended brother, Dr. Robert M. Paschall, family friend and supporter, Dr. L. D. Britt; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends in the communities of Northampton and Accomack counties.
Most importantly, Ms. Spady continues to give. Many years ago, she chose to be an organ donor. Her wishes were carried out, and now she will continue to give life to others. “To God be the Glory for the Great Things He has Done.”
