Flora Jean StancilFlora Jean Stancil was born Oct. 17, 1947, and died Oct. 7, 2018.
Flora's children with Bobby Earl Spivey
Nancy Leigh Spivey Hackney
Tracey Renee Spivey Duke
Flora's children with Michael Wayne Poythress
Michael Shayne PoythressNov. 7, 1980 Wilson, NC-Feb. 13, 2011 New Hanover, NC; Buried in Evergreen Memorial Park, Wilson, NC
Flora Jean Stancil, center, stands by Renn Stancil Hinton to her left and Dianne Stancil Bailey to the right, at the 2012 Stancil Family Reunion.
Courtesy Stancil Reunion Archive
Flora Jean Stancil lived a life rich with music, hard work, and deep family connections. Known for her distinctive blonde hair, brown eyes, and a vivacious spirit, she was a beloved daughter, mother, and performer whose presence left a lasting impression on those around her.
Early Life and Family Roots
Flora Jean Stancil, the oldest child of Josiah Fernandas "Fernie" Stancil and Doris Lee Scott, was born on October 17, 1947, at Carolina General Hospital in Wilson, North Carolina. She was named after her paternal grandmother, Flora May Hinnant Stancil, who tragically passed away from an influenza outbreak on May 10, 1918, when her son Fernie was just 16 months old.
Flora greatly favored her father, Fernie, who affectionately nicknamed her "Nubby Jean," which was often shortened to "Nub." She grew up in Wilson, North Carolina, learning early lessons in work ethic. At just five years old, her grandfather Arthur Scott equipped her with a croker sack and strap, initiating her into cotton picking, for which she earned 5 cents a day. She spent many summers with her grandparents, Thelma and Arthur Scott, in Lucama, where she also helped harvest tobacco, pick cotton, and pick beans.
In 1955, Fernie decided to move the family to a frame house on his father-in-law's farm in Lucama, while retaining their house in town. The Lucama home, lacking an indoor bathroom and running water, provided unique experiences. Baths were taken in a tin tub, and Fernie would improvise showers by hanging a hosepipe over a tree limb. This period instilled in Flora and her siblings (Steve and Dianne) a deep appreciation for the comforts they enjoyed back in town.
Her father, Fernie, a man with a wonderful sense of humor and a welcoming personality, instilled in Flora a strong sense of independence and self-confidence.
A Life of Music and Adventure
Flora's passion for music began at a very young age; she started singing in church at just 3 years old. Her talents quickly became apparent, and she performed "Sixteen Tons," made famous by Tennessee Ernie Ford, at a Crippled Children’s fundraising event at church. Family gatherings at her grandmother Hinnant’s house on Sundays often featured Flora singing, accompanied by her Uncle Jim on the guitar.
As a teenager, Flora was fearless and adventurous. When their family home needed a new roof, she famously climbed up in jean shorts, sliding around to nail shingles. After several hours, her father noticed she had worn a hole in her shorts and sent her inside for a new pair. Her mechanical aptitude was also impressive; at just 14, her dad had her pulling a transmission out of a Cadillac, and she also knew how to "knock out a piston!"
While in high school, Flora sang with a local band called the Sardam, where her distinctive dimples earned her the nickname "Dimples." The band performed at school dances, proms, and night clubs, with "Sea Sea Rider" being one of their popular songs. Sometimes, she also sang alongside her sister Dianne, who shared her beautiful voice. Flora further expanded her musical experience by singing with other groups, including the 5 Kays (a group of Hinnants related to her grandmother Flora Mae) and the Embers.
After high school, Flora's musical ambitions led her to Nashville, Tennessee, where a man offered her the opportunity to record some of his songs. She made a record, a copy of which she still possessed later in life. Her performing career took her to venues in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Albany, New York, often accompanied by her supportive parents. While she loved to perform, the constant traveling proved challenging, and she eventually returned home to Wilson. She also showcased her talents on television station WNCT in Greenville, North Carolina.
Family Life and Later Years
Flora Jean Stancil began dating Bobby Earl Spivey, who was a year ahead of her at Fike High School. They were married on July 30, 1967, at the First Baptist Church in Wilson, North Carolina. Bobby Earl Spivey was born in 1946, the son of Arthur Douglas Spivey and Hattie Lee Dameron, in Wilson.
Flora and Bobby had two daughters: Nancy Spivey and Tracey Spivey. Nancy later married Jeff Hackney, and Tracey married Chad Duke.
After their divorce, Flora had a son, Michael Shayne Poythress, with Michael Wayne Poythress. Flora Jean Stancil married Michael Wayne Poythress in 1979. She was a devoted mother to all three of her children.
In the 1970s, Flora's parents, Fernie and Doris, started their own venture, the Stancil Insurance Agency. While both Flora and her sister Dianne became licensed insurance agents, this did not become their primary vocation.
A profound loss impacted Flora's life when her son Michael passed away on Feb. 13, 2011, a tragedy that deeply affected her.
Flora also experienced the loss of both her parents. Her mother, Doris, died of throat cancer on July 21, 1982, in the Wilson hospital, with her funeral held at Five Points Baptist Church. At the service, Dianne informed Flora that their mother had wished for her to sing "How Great Thou Art." Despite her grief, Flora, with immense strength, sang it beautifully. Following her mother's death, Flora moved into the family home to be with her father, Fernie, until his passing on July 17, 1991.
Bobby Earl Spivey died at 71 on June
15, 2018, in Wilson. He is buried in Maplewood Cemetery in Wilson.
Flora Jean Stancil passed away on October 7, 2018, at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield at the age of 70. She is laid to rest in Maplewood Cemetery in Wilson.
Her life, filled with music, family, and the spirit of the independent "Nubby Jean," left an indelible mark on those who knew and loved her.
Daughter Nancy Spivey Hackney remembers her dad Bobby Earl Spivey:
Nancy Spivey HackneyContributed
He was called by many names …'The Mayor', ‘The Marlboro Man', ‘The Man', ‘Big Bob', ‘Bobby', I called him 'Daddy.' He was a true Southern gentleman. Daddy made his transition to eternal life on Friday.He never met a stranger. He was a true southern gentleman and a lady's man. He loved horses and a simple life. All who met him loved him. Even the way people called his name when they said, ‘Bobby', was so filled with love that it is hard to explain in words. He was quick to agree and most times would reply to things with a passionate and resounding “Yeaaaaahhh! ”We celebrate his life and our memories. Happy father day in Heaven, Daddy! I love you.
Flora Jean Stancil
