Obituary: Ann Spence

Ann Spence, 89, passed away Tuesday, April 25, 2023, with her family by her side. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, April 28, at 11am, at Jackson Heights OFWB Church with the Rev. Justin Barnett and Pastor Ashley Summerlin officiating. Burial will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church 1 hour prior to the service.

A native of Lenoir County, Ann was born January 6, 1934, to Carl James and Eliza Jane Maready Taylor. Raised in Lenoir and Duplin County, she married Rodney Spence at an early age. Rodney was in the Electrical Union, which necessitated their moving from place to place. Ann never worked in a public setting, however, she was a very caring and loving person, and enjoyed taking care of people. As a loving and caring daughter, she took care of her parents. As a caring sister, she took care of and watched over her brother, who had epilepsy. Anytime she heard of anyone needing help, she was there to help with the need. Amid her taking care of others, she was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a long-time member of Jackson Heights OFWB and served as a Sunday School teacher, member of the Ladies Auxiliary, and the Benevolent Committee.

She is survived by her son, Keith Spence, of Las Vegas, NV; daughters, Annette Spence Ipock, and husband, Doug, of Kinston, and Jeanette Spence Kennedy, and husband, Gary, of Deep Run; 6 grandchildren, 9 great grand-children and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Ann is preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Rodney Spence; her son, Henry Clay and all 6 of her siblings.

Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.