She served for many years on the Statewide Health Coordinating Council and was part of the steering committee which established the Hampshire County Retardation Center.
She served for a number of years as a member of the Visiting Committee (Advisory Board) for West Virginia University's College of Medicine.
A strong advocate for protection of the family farm, Spears served 14 years on the West Virginia University Visiting Committee for Extension and Continuing Education.
She was the first legislator to receive the state Veterans Council award, and was named an honorary brigadier general in the West Virginia National Guard.
Spears was honored by the governor of North Carolina with an environmental award for her work in protecting the West Virginia portion of the New River.
Earl Ray Tomblin ordered all state flags to be flown at half-staff from dawn to dusk to respect and honor Spears.