Mrs. Kathryn Spears Driver

Kathryn Spears Driver was born July 11, 1926, in Nashville, Tennessee, as the only child to the late Myrtle O. Lee and Dr. Francis G. Scott. She enjoyed a well-lived life that exemplified that of a “faithful servant” by faithfully pursuing her talents in public service, private enterprise, and the Lord’s work. She transitioned to her eternal rest on May 23, 2025.

Mrs. Driver was raised in Nashville, Tennessee, until age 13, at which time she moved to Springfield, Ohio. She graduated from Springfield Senior High School in 1945. After graduation she attended Wilberforce University, and subsequently began her career in public service with the United States government as a Varitype Operator at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

Mrs. Driver returned to Nashville, Tennessee in October 1951. After returning to Nashville, she continued her career in the public sector by completing 10 years of service as a cashier for the Nashville Housing Authority from 1958 to 1968. Having long held an interest in cooking and catering, Mrs. Driver went into business in 1968 with her husband, Spruell Driver, to open The Galaxy Drive-In, a favorite restaurant that employed several college students attending Tennessee State University. In February 1975, she was recognized as “Businessperson of the Month” at the First Annual Awards Banquet presented by PAED in conjunction with WVOL Radio Station for her community service and attainment in business. In 1980, Mrs. Driver opened Archibald’s Restaurant and Catering Service in the Baker Building located at 21st Avenue South and West End Avenue. “Archibald’s” was a local favorite lunchtime cafeteria known for its home-style “Soul Food.”

Before returning to the public sector, Mrs. Driver served as a Dorm Director at New Livingston Hall and Crosswaite Hall on the campus of Fisk University. In 1984, Mrs. Driver returned to the public sector with her restaurant and catering experience to become an Assistant Manager for Food Services operating the state cafeteria located in the Andrew Jackson State Office Building. In 1987, Mrs. Driver parlayed her business experience into becoming a Procurement Officer for the Tennessee Probation and Parole Board. Upon retirement in December 2003, Mrs. Driver completed more than 16 years of exemplary service as a Procurement Officer for the State of Tennessee and as a Member of the National Institute for Government Purchasing.

Mrs. Driver was a faithful member of Lee Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church for more than 60 years. In 1968, Lee Chapel AME Church honored her as its “Woman of the Year”. Mrs. Driver served as a consecrated Deaconess at Lee Chapel AME Church, having previously served as President of the Lee Chapel Stewardess Board. She was a devoted member of the Emma S. Ransom Women’s Missionary Society and a charter member of the Guiding Lights Club. She enjoyed faithfully sharing her culinary skills by preparing unleavened communion bread for The Lord’s Supper as a service of love and devotion to God. Mrs. Driver aspired to render this service upon hearing her former pastor, Reverend Edward Lee Thompson, speak admiringly of his mother and other Stewardess Board members who made homemade whole wheat communion bread at the church where he grew up. Reverend Thompson encouraged Mrs. Driver to bake communion bread for the entire AME Church General Conference meeting held in 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee, which she did with great success.

After retirement, Mrs. Driver enjoyed volunteering at Metro General Hospital, participating in wellness activities with friends in the “Silver Sneakers” program at the Northwest YMCA, finding cooking recipes and medical tips on her iPad, and driving her Nissan Altima until after her 90th birthday!

Mrs. Driver was preceded in death by her husband, Spruell Driver Sr., and her son, Francis S. Guess. Her memory will be a blessing to those who survive: sons, James R. Spears (Treva) and Spruell Driver Jr. (Elaine); five grandchildren, Maria V. Guess, Dr. Portia Johnson, James M. Spears, Sierra “Elise” Driver, and Spruell Driver III, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness,

which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day –

and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-8, NIV