Virginia “Boot” Harris Spence, 88, of Kinston, went home to Jesus peacefully at home on Saturday, July 1, 2023 with her family by her side after months of declining health. She was the fourth child born to John Ivey and Florence Edwards Harris on October 15, 1934. Even though she obtained only a 3rd grade education, she went on to work at Hampton Shirt Factory for 18 years, then received her cosmetology license and worked as a beautician for a short time until she retired and became a full-time homemaker. Virginia was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt that was a remarkable cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family, most especially over the holidays. She loved her family and instilled in her family strong values that have served them well and they can pass down to their children. Virginia was always passionate and proud of all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She kept an immaculate house and when she wasn’t tending to family or her home, you could find her traveling, going to Cedar Point to the beach home, watching her favorite TV shows on the ID channel, or going out to eat. Until her health condition made it impossible, Virginia was an active church member of Victory Baptist Church. Virginia will be forever remembered for her beautiful smile, gentle eyes, caring heart, loving embrace, and unconditional love. Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate her life and find comfort that she is in heaven suffering no more and watching over us.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Spence; parents, John Ivey and Florence Edwards Harris; brothers, Robert Harris, James “Demi” Harris; sister, Lena Belle Wade; daughter-in-law, Rose Elizabeth Wade; sister-in-law, Dorothy Mitchell Harris, and former husband, Carl “Buddy” Wade.

She is survived by her beloved children, daughters, Virginia Elaine "Wade" Yater and husband, Jeremy, of Kinston, and Jeanna Reeves and husband, Craig, of Raleigh; sons, Marvin Wade of Grifton and Joe Spence of Kinston; grandchildren, Michelle West of Kinston, Thomas Wade and wife, Tina, of Kinston, Jonathan Wade of Grifton, Stacy Brown of Kinston, Taylor Reeves and wife, Victoria, of Raleigh, Kayla Spence of Kinston, and Corey Reeves of Raleigh, and Christopher Yater of Kinston; great-grandchildren, Ava Camille Taylor, Alexander Caden West, Abigail Claire West, Lillie Grace Wade, Levi Thomas Wade, Lincoln Avery Wade, and Sadie Quinn Reeves and brother, Julius "Bud" Harris; special niece, Ann Minkler and husband, Rocky, of Kinston.

The family would like to thank all of the healthcare staff from 3HC Hospice for their great care in the last couple of months of her life and are sincerely grateful to the wonderful staff who comforted and cared for her and the family in her last days.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023 at Howard-Carter Funeral Home, and other times at the home of the deceased from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., July 10 through July 13, 2023.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Howard-Carter Funeral Home, with burial following at Pinelawn Memorial Park. Justin Barnett will officiate.