Obituary of Alice Spiers O'Connell

Alice Spiers O'Connell died peacefully in her sleep on January 29, 2017 in Franklin, IN at the age of 102 years. Alice was born December 8, 1914 in Frankfort, KY, the daughter of Alice H. Crumbaugh and Evan Bryan Spiers. She worked for several departments in the Kentucky State Government culminating in the Kentucky Court of Appeals as a finance officer. Her son, William Bryan Martin of Franklin, IN, was born in Lexington and went on to be an attorney, an ordained minister, and President of Franklin College. Alice was married to William S. Martin of Winchester; to Marine Colonel John Malcom Davis; to William Staley Cheatham who was Assistant Sergeant of Arms of the US Senate; and to John M. O'Connell, formerly of Washington, DC. She was privileged to meet many prominent persons in public service and had wonderful stories to tell. Alice enjoyed playing golf and bridge and was a life-long, avid fan of University of Kentucky basketball. In 2013 she moved to the Hearth at Stones' Crossing to be closer to her family in Franklin, IN. She was a member of Central Christian Church in Lexington for over 40 years, and previously of South Frankfort Presbyterian Church and First Christian Churches in Winchester and Frankfort. Alice is survived by her son and his wife Margo; her grandchildren Dr. Chanley Martin and her husband Dr. Mattison Davis in Williamsburg, VA; Matson Martin in Franklin, IN; Evan Martin and his wife Sarah in McMinnville, Oregon; and a beloved great-granddaughter Morgan Martin Davis in Williamsburg, VA. She is also survived by her step-son Jack Davis and his wife Trudy in Louisville, KY. She was preceded in death by her brother John H. Spiers. Alice will be buried next to her parents in the Frankfort, KY Cemetery. A memorial service will be held in the spring, date to be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to Lexington Central Christian Church in celebration of a remarkable life.