Edna Spence

Send Flowers

Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
First Baptist Church
King Avenue
Mountain View, AR  72560
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
11:00 AM

Edna Spence

of Mountain View, AR

August 30, 1924 - February 26, 2022

Edna Pearl Barrett Spence passed away peacefully at home on February 26, 2022. She was 97. She and her twin brother ''Ed'' were born in Boughton, Nevada County, Arkansas. They remained close and the best of friends for life. After marrying her husband James, they lived and raised their seven children in several Arkansas locales, Mississippi, Illinois, and later retired to enjoy the beauty and serenity of Mountain View. It would be Edna's home for nearly 40 years. She was the adored matriarch of the Spence family with branches reaching north to Minnesota, south to Texas, east to Tennessee, and west to Washington State. For most of Edna's life, she was an indomitable force of nature, raising her family, managing a doctor's office like a well-oiled machine, keeping close ties with all her children and grandchildren, cooking delicious meals and desserts from scratch, and was always busy sewing and crafting beautiful things, now prized heirlooms cherished by the family.

Far more than an excellent homemaker, valued employee, and the very heart of her family, Edna was a beautiful child of God and daughter of the King. She loved our Lord Jesus and sang his praises in the First Baptist Church choir and whenever and wherever the Spirit moved. To remember Edna is to remember her cheerfully singing like a bird and also her infectious laughter. As much as she loved keeping a warm and welcoming home, she was always ready for an adventure, especially a road trip to visit extended family and friends, and enjoyed many fun getaways with her nearby sister and soulmate Juanita.

Edna was preceded in death by her husband James Allen Spence and two sons, Alvin Allen and David Wayne Spence. Her oldest grandchild and angel in heaven Aneita ''Clancy'' Spence died of leukemia in 1981. Another sad loss and heaven's gain was her second great-grandchild James Julian Spence in 2005. Seven siblings also preceded her: brothers Walter, Othell, Woodrow, Edgar (her twin), and Fred Barrett, and sisters Juanita Barrett DeSpain and Oletta Barrett Johnson. Edna is survived by five children: Nancy Spence Tippy, Parrottsville TN; James Edgar Spence and wife Christine, Grey Eagle MN; William Jerry Spence and wife Jeanie, San Antonio TX; Larry Joe Spence, Wheeling IL; and Linda Spence Hagar of Mountain View. Edna's beloved daughter-in-law Dianne Spence lives in Denver CO. Her sole surviving and dearly loved brother James Paul (''Bob'') Barrett and his wife Nilah live in Winston-Salem NC.

Edna was a proud and loving grandmother and ''Pamaw'' to Kimberly Farris Toth and husband Barry, Parrottsville TN; Jimmy Spence and wife Jessica, Seattle WA; John Spence, Cincinnati OH; Matthew Spence, Arlington Heights IL; Jessica Spence, Wheeling IL; Kelly Spence, Chicago IL; Casey Spence LeClaire and husband Michael, Denver CO; and Adam Spence, San Antonio TX. Edna was also blessed with four more great-grandchildren: Hunter Toth and Jalen, Avery, and Elliott Spence.

Edna had close bonds with so many in her extended family. She would want it known that these special ladies remained near and dear to her heart: Aneita Zoutendam, Gini Nolan, Jennie Detterbeck, Shirley Barrett (deceased), Stacy Grosso, Rose Mulholland, and Pat and Judy Johnson.

The family wishes to publicly thank their sister and aunt Linda Spence Hagar for the many years she lived in the home with Edna and was her faithful companion and caregiver at the end. For all the doctors, nurses, and therapists in Mountain View, it is impossible to find adequate words to express our gratitude. A special word of thanks also to local friends Patty, Tracie, and Vickie for always being there to lend a helping hand and give moral support. Because of you, we know that God provides angels in our time of need. For anyone seeking a way to express sympathy and to honor Edna's beautiful life, please give to a charity of your choice to help others in need. When one of her sons would say God bless you to Edna, she would smile and say ''He already has.''

Friends are welcome to join the family at a celebration of life service at 11 am on Tuesday, April 19, at First Baptist Church in Mountain View. Pastor Jason Ingram will officiate.


    Print Obituary

Sign Guestbook

4 Condolence(s)
G. LANCE MEYER
englewood, FL
Liked
Saturday, April 9, 2022

you certainly will be missed.

james p barrett
Winston Salem, NC
Liked
Thursday, March 17, 2022

She was always happy and fun to be around. She even took me in when I ran away from home--
from Tennessee to Mississippi. You will truly be missed. Your brother, James P. (Bob).

Margo Del Real
Timbo, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 17, 2022

She was a delight and will be missed! Rest In Peace Ms.Edna.

Margo Del Real
Timbo, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 16, 2022

She was a delight and will be missed! Rest In Peace Ms.Edna.