Spivey Releases Before I Lay it Down and holds Book Signing

Mark Anthony Spivey, Sr., teacher, coach, father, leader and friend, has added author to his list with the release of “Before I Lay It Down,” also available on Kindle at Amazon.com.

Spivey is in the midst of a book signing spree, beginning on April 16 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 16738 Canyon Whisper Dr. Cypress, Texas 77429-6411.

Before I Lay it Down is an outgrowth of Spivey's tryst with writing on Facebook, which eventually morphed into a weekly column in the African American News and Issues. After much compliments, criticisms, and most of all encouragement, Spivey decided to write the book. Before I Lay It Down is a compilation of short stories, raw instructions and inspirational messages to those who are torn between their spiritual journey and an undefined destiny whose paths have crossed many times.

Mark is one of 13 children born to Bishop Billy Sim Spivey, Sr. and Vera Nell Davis in Dallas, Texas. The family later moved to Corpus Christi in 1960 until 1974 and then onto Austin through 1985. He has resided Houston/Cypress since 2004.

He and his wife Jullette Spivey of Hempstead married in 1997 and have raised a blended family of 7 kids, six who have graduated college to include Aaron (PVAMU, 2001), D’ette (Sam Houston State, 2002), Mark Jr. (PVAMU, 2008), Gary (PVAMU, 2010), Ursula (Texas A&M, Kingsville 2012), Tiffany (American Military University, 2015).

Spivey began his college studies at Concordia Lutheran College in Austin and later transferred to Prairie View A&M University where he earned the Bachelors of Science in Political Science, the Masters of Science in Counseling and the Masters of Arts in Educational Administration. He is currently studying for the PhD in Educational Leadership at PVAMU.

His employment is varied, having worked in the computer industry from 1978 through 1995 with Motorola, Advanced Micro Devices and HP. Following a layoff, Spivey returned to school and received his certification as a secondary social studies teacher in 2004 and continues in that career path to date. He has taught in Hempstead and Aldine ISD. Spivey is currently Chairman of the Social Studies Department and Coordinator for Women’s Athletics in the Royal Independent School District.

Spivey and his wife have been active in the Waller County community for nearly 20 years as volunteers. They created the Spivey Foundation to enhance the lives of children through academics and athletics in conjunction with our Waller County Hoopers Youth Program. Part of their program was the annual Christmas Bicycle Giveaways where kids received more than 5000 new bicycles and thousands of other gifts in partnership with various entities in the Greater Houston Area since 2009.

Mark holds membership in several civic and professional organizations including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Epsilon Tau Lambda Chapter, where he is president and the Waller County Hoopers Youth Organization where he serves as president, Pi Sigma Alpha, National Honor Society of Political Scientists, Region V Teaching American History Academy, Region IV Gulf Coast American History Academy, Texas Observation Protocols (TOP) Rater Training 6-8 and participated in the Rice University Advanced Placement Summer Institute.

Among his many awards and recognition for teaching and services are Hempstead ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year Award, Kappa Alpha Psi Humanitarian Award, Hempstead City Council Humanitarian Award, Hempstead Police Department Humanitarian Award, Bailey Chapel Church of God in Christ Humanitarian Award, District 26-2A Girls Basketball Coach of the Year, Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) State Outstanding Coach of the Year- Class 2A, and Prairie View A&M University Humanitarian Service Award, and served as the Hempstead “Juneteenth” Grand Parade Marshall.

Spivey enjoys writing and is a weekly columnist Houston’s African-American News and Issues, offering refreshing commentary on relationships and social issues in the African-American Community.

Mark was raised in the Churches of our Lord Jesus Christ (Pentecostal/Apostolic), where he serves as a guest lecturer/presenter at its national conventions. He is currently an active member of the Church Without Walls with Dr. Ralph Douglas West as the pastor.