Elizabeth (Amos) Spights

Elizabeth Amos Spights, affectionately known as "Bea," was born on February 15, 1945, in Grenada, Mississippi, to the late John Wesley and Jessie Purnell-Amos. She was the eighth of nine children born to this union.

Bea accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Wesley Chapel AME Church in Grenada, MS. She attended Carrie Dotson High School and graduated in 1963. Upon graduation, Bea was determined to follow her brothers Willie and George to Joliet Il.  In 1964, she moved to Joliet and found her church home at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. Odell Thompson. She served faithfully as President of the Usher Board, guarding her post for nearly 30 years. Bea remained an active member until her health began to decline.

In 1972 Bea met the love of her life, Tomie Spights. Together, they formed a loving blended family of five children: the late Fred (Mary) Spights, Spencer, Oklahoma, John (Katrina) Amos, South Holland IL, Tyrone (Yolanda Sharp) Spights, Houston, TX, LaTosha (Bobby Barnes) Spights-Brooks, Joliet, IL and Francine (Arthur) Thornton, Plainfield, IL.

Bea began her career on the assembly line at Kroehler Manufacturing Company and later worked as a machinist at Caterpillar. She eventually joined Joliet Junior College, where she served in the Records and Graduation Office for nearly 25 years, supporting students in achieving their educational goals. Bea also worked at Motel 6 before joining the Illinois Department of Human Services, where she provided compassionate caretaking services for 15 years. 

Over the course of her life, Bea had to bid farewell to many loved ones. Preceding her in death are her parents, John and Jessie Amos; her beloved husband, Tomie Spights; her son, Fred Spights; and her beautiful great-granddaughter, Serenity Summers.  Her dearest sister, Ellen Marie (Rubin) McMillan of Lebanon, TN, and her niece who was raised as her sister, Shirley Jean Collins of Horn Lake, MS. Her beloved brothers and sisters in law: John Wesley Amos, Jr. of Carlsbad, CA; Russell Amos, Sr. of Grenada, MS; Charles Edward (Beverly) Amos, Sr. of La Verne, CA; Rogers (Jessie Louise) Green Amos of Somerset, NJ; Homer Lee (Maude) Amos of Orrville, OH; George Vaseer (Trollie) Amos of Joliet, IL; and Willie Grayson Amos of Duncanville, TX. Two very close friends, Gabe Thompson and Roberta “Bobbi” Lara.

Bea’s foremost passion in life was her family. She was the proud matriarch of five children, 36 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and two god-grandchildren. Her family was the foundation of her fulfillment, and she approached each day with strength and determination, persevering until the very end. She took pride in her ability to recall the birthdays of all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—a reflection of her deep commitment and attentiveness. Bea’s steadfast devotion and nurturing spirit will remain a lasting presence in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

She leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy her loving children: John Amos, Tyrone Spights, LaTosha Spights-Brooks, and Francine Spights Thornton. She was lovingly cared for by her devoted granddaughter, Shante Amos. Bea was also blessed with two dedicated daughters-in-law, Mary Spights and Katrina Amos, and three cherished sisters-in-law, Alberta Amos, Dollie Ann Amos, and Mary Alice Amos. Her heart lived on through her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and god-grandchildren—each a treasured source of pride and joy. Bea’s journey was enriched by the enduring love of dear friends, including Pat Newsome and Vernie Stevens. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her—countless friends, nieces, nephews, and cousins who were touched by her grace, strength, and unwavering love.

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