Funeral services were held July 3rd for 23-year old Jered Spotted Bear, followed by burial at the Native American Church Cemetery in Denby, SD
Jered Lee Spotted Bear was born on September 21, 1997 in Reno, NV to Joann Spotted Bear and Jerome Thigpen. Jered made his journey to the Spirit World on June 26, 2021 in Sun Valley, NV.
Jered Spotted Bear was a young man who was outgoing and genuine to everyone he crossed paths with. He carried himself with the utmost respect to his elders and all around him.
He loved to eat and always made sure his family and friends were fed and not hungry. He genuinely made sure that everyone was okay before himself. He always would come around and be in a great mood, always smiling and laughing.
He had a strong love for sports especially football and basketball. His favorite football team was the Eagles and the Texans. He also loved Penn State college football. Jered had a dream of one day playing in the NFL.
Jered enjoyed working out, staying active, camping, traveling, playing video games, and recording music. When we do these things, remember his love, remember how he would smile, laugh, and encourage you. He will always continue to shine in our hearts.
Jered Spotted Bear was part of the eighth generation of Hunkpapha, Lakhota, descended from Chief Thomas Wanbli Wahachanka “Eagle Shield.” Eagle Shield is featured in two books: Teton Sioux Music & Culture by Frances Densmore, (pgs. 394-406), and Fools Crow by Thomas E. Mails (pg. 89)
Eagle Shield was the son of Chief Crawler. His brothers were Spotted Bear, Deeds, One Hawk, Iron Thunder, and Felix Crawler; his sister was Walking Robe Lady. They all fought in the Battle of The Little Big Horn with the exception of One Hawk.
Thick Loaf Bread was a Spotted Bear who charged his name among the Lakota because he killed men in the USA Cavalry at the Grease Grass aka Little Big Horn in Montana.
Deeds was shot and killed during The Battle of the Little Big Horn. One Hawk was killed at the Battle of the Rosebud. Spotted Bear was a survivor of the Wounded Knee Massacre, the Retaliation of the US Government for killing General George Armstrong Custer.
The government killed 300 unarmed Lakota men, women, and children December 29, 1890, at Bigfoot Oyate. Spotted Bear was wounded twice and ran home to Little Eagle on the Standing Rock Reservation the very same day.
Jered Lee Spotted Bear and Beau James Spotted are the eighth generation of Hunkpapha, Lakhota, Their mother, Joann Mae Spotted Bear, is seventh generation. Baby Joe Spotted Bear Sr was Pine Ridge Police Oglala Lakota. His father, Louie Spotted Bear, served in World War 2 and Louie’s father, Thomas Spotted Bear, served in World War 1
Jered was preceded in death by his grandparents, Silas and Helen (Shot To Pieces) Grant; Joe Spotted Bear, Sr., and Mary Barbara White Magpie; and brother, Beau James Spotted Bear.
Pallbearers will be Calvin Spotted Bear, Ed Spotted Bear, Dusty Little Moon, Michael Little Moon, Rowland Swallow, and Toby Shot To Pieces.
Honorary pallbearers will be all friends & relatives.
Thank you, our family would like to thank you and anyone that has helped us in this difficult time.
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD