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Condolences for Tea Spilker

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From : Barbara Marson
To : Cheri Walton
Date: January 24th 2025

Tea was always a wonderful & supportive sister-in-law, but during the past couple of years, we developed a special bond. During my walks at the beach or the Muddy Creek Greenway connected to our neighborhood, I took & shared many photos with her. We became texting buddies and she developed an affinity for Muddy Creek, selecting favorite shots and calling some "my Muddy Creek." She wanted so much to walk with me and share the experiences. Now she can in spirit. So, fly free Dear Tea. I'll meet you on the Greenway.

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From : Jamie Tyson
To : Cherie and Marc and Lea and Steve and all the descendants
Date: February 6th 2025

My deepest condolences to all of you...From whenever Tea and family moved in next door (a question I meant to ask her on a visit to AZ I had planned for the past couple of years, but sadly never realized) until we moved up the street shortly after Cherie and I turned 9, Tea and my mom were like second mothers to each other's children.

I have no memories of life before she came into mine. I always thought she was creative (she and my mother were both wonderful cake bakers and decorators) and kind and generous and wise. I have many happy childhood memories of her - too many to choose from.

I will instead, share one not-so-happy one, Though when I was an adult she and I later shared the memory with smiles...

I think I was probably around 7 and Marc was maybe not quite 2. I believe he is six years younger than Cherie and I. Tea asked me to keep an eye on him while she went somewhere (I don't know where Cherie was) and I agreed. He was asleep on the couch and she wanted me to just check once in awhile in case he woke up.

I checked at least once or twice and then someone invited me to go to Graceland and off I went, completely forgetting about Marc. I only remembered on the way back on my way down the slope from Graceland to Gerard St. when a neighborhood kid yelled out, "You're in trouble now!"

I ran back to Cherie's like lightening, but it was too late. Tea had come home to find Marc awake and me not there...oh the shame!

Fortunately, he was fine and I don't remember her yelling or even showing any anger toward me. She stayed calm...

My mother, however, Was angry and disappointed (which is worse) and meted out punishment- I was to spend the next couple of hours in my room contemplating what I did (and didn't) do and what the consequences could have been. A lesson in responsibility I have never forgotten.

A much happier memory from much, much later is from 2006. My mother had died recently (I was not happy about that) and I decided to drive to Columbus and visit the old neighborhood. I wanted to see if the current owner would let me in to see my childhood home. I explained the situation to her and she coldly but politely refused.

Then I noticed.that Cherie's house was for sale. This is getting to be too long so I will not go into details: I called the realtor and asked if she would show the house to me and perhaps an ex-owner. She agreed so I called Tea to ask if she wanted to go. She was delighted. We had a great time going down memory lane and the realtor was really happy as well since there were things she couldn't understand about the house until Tea explained
the history.

I am so glad she lived so long and well and died peacefully. And so sad I did not make it out to visit her before she passed.

Hope you are well and happy, Mrs. Spilker. Give my mom a hug please. I hope you are with Carl and your parents.

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From : Val Gomez
To : Cherie
Date: February 7th 2025

I've been richly blessed by Tea's warmth, embrace and her legacy of love within you. Sending big HUGZ to you and giving the Lord thanks for His sure promises.

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