It is with heavy hearts that we have said goodbye to Mission First staff member Lori Spikes in her recent passing. Lori served on staff as a Registered Nurse with Mission First. Her passion for nursing was ignited as a young girl when she helped to care for her father after a severe accident. Lori attended Samford University in Birmingham, where she completed her Associate Degree Nursing and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Ida Moffett School of Nursing. Following, she spent many years as an ICU RN.
Lori’s love and commitment to healing others through her caring hands spanned the globe as she used nursing as a primary vehicle to make Jesus known to those she cared for. Lori served as a missionary overseas including nearly three decades of service alongside her husband Jim with the International Missions Board of the Southern Baptist Convention in various cities in Europe, Chile, and Costa Rica.
In 2016, she returned to the US and participated in the Baptist Nursing Fellowship in which she later served as its National Executive Director and Treasurer. The Ida Moffett School of Nursing at Samford University recognized Lori’s life and achievements by honoring her with the “Courage to Care” award in 2019.
Lori was well loved by her family and friends among all of our staff at Mission First especially our medical and dental clinic team that served alongside her throughout the week. Lori had a gift of making people feel loved and accepted. She sacrificially gave of herself through her actions. Here are a few words that our staff had in tribute of her:
“Lori's presence has truly been missed here in the Mission First medical/dental clinic. Her radiant smile and gentle spirit will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Rest well with Him sweet servant of God!” - Janet Davis, Clinic Administration
“It was truly an honor to serve alongside Lori Spikes at Mission First. She was a true ambassador for Christ and an inspiration to us all. I will always treasure the blessing of her friendship and will be forever grateful for her mentoring us as we served together in our own mission field right here in downtown Jackson.” - Courtney H. Filgo, D.M.D.
“Lori's love for people was evident in all she did, whether it was serving her patients, sharing her life experiences to encourage others, or loving on her sweet family. We miss her sweet spirit, jovial chuckle, and contagious smile. Rest in complete peace, sweet sister.” - Edie Monk, Dental Clinic Assistant
We are so thankful for Lori’s time and dedication to working as a nurse at Mission First, but more importantly, her service and devotion to the Lord. Since her passing, we have been reminded of where our true hope comes from and where everlasting life can be found: all in our gracious God. We rest assured that Lori is now experiencing that grace in the full.
While we are filled with sadness that Lori’s time on our earth is now over and will continue to pray for her family as they grieve, we also want to celebrate Lori’s life and her desire to make Jesus known all across the world. Matthew 25:21 NIV says, "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' We have no doubt that Lori heard these words as she saw her Savior face to face!