Mary Francis (Martin) Spencer

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Mary Spencer, a beloved mother, grandmother (Gangee),  great-grandmother, sister and friend. 

                 Mary, 76 went to her heavenly home in Crab Orchard, Tn with family by her side. She fought a courageous battle against cancer and chose to be at home with family and hospice care.

                Mary was born on May 12, 1947 in Chestnut Hill, Tn. Mary was the daughter of the late Kenneth Martin and Emma Luella Farris Martin, and the third oldest of ten siblings.  She is survived by her two sons; Fendrick Ray Spencer (Kelli) of Lawrenceburg, Ky, Adam Lewis Spencer (Debbie) of Jackson, Ky, 1 daughter Maria LaNee Brand of Versailles, Ky, 5 grandchildren, Emilee Kaitlin Brand, Jarhett Walker Brand, Tyler Michael Back , Wyatt Anderson Spencer, Adam Wesley Spencer; 2 great-grandchildren, Tayden Joseph Eckler, Landen Paul Eckler; 4 sisters, Billie Swearengen, Virginia Wilson, Linda Simmons, Lilly Trivett (Doug), 4 brothers, Harvey Martin, Kenny Martin (Rita), Claude (Talana), Charles (Myra), and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

                She was preceded in death by her brother Robert Lewis Martin, nephews; Dwayne Davis, Scott Winningham, Chip Simmons, 1 niece Jennifer Trivett and brother-in-law Lowell Simmons.

                Mary was a hard worker and had various jobs while living in Crab Orchard, and after graduating from Cumberland County High School in 1965, she moved to Ohio. She met her future husband while playing in a softball league. She wed Adam Ray Spencer on September 10, 1971.  They had their 1st child Fendrick in March 1975, then eventually moved to Nicholasville, Ky and had Maria in July 1976 and Adam Lewis in February 1982. Mary worked as a paralegal for Kentucky Central for many years and became interested in her husband’s family oil painting business. She enjoyed painting and working festivals.  After her divorce, she remained in Nicholasville and was employed at Verizon as a telephone operator. She moved back to Crab Orchard to be a caregiver for her mother.  She remained in Crab Orchard and worked for the county recycling center. She always had dreamt of being a singer; therefore, she and her son Fendrick organized Mary’s Karaoke on the weekends at the town City Hall for family and friends  and they had music and Mary would cook. She had many requests for her famous fried potatoes.  She was also a member of the Crab Orchard Christian Church and devoted her life to Christ.

                Mary had many talents and interests, but her main devotion was to her family. She was proud of her family and enjoyed the holidays and creating memories.  She was also a kind and genuine friend and would do anything to help anyone, she never met a stranger, and always had a smile on her beautiful face. She also found enjoyment in fishing, playing scrabble, basketball, her outings with her sister Linda, singing and quilting.  During her breast cancer battle she began quilting and made many beautiful quilts for her family and friends.

                Mary will be deeply missed by all whom had the pleasure of knowing her. She loved her life, family and friends. Mary’s memory will have a lasting effect on everyone.

Services will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Crab Orchard Christian Church. Visitation will be from 11am-1pm, with the service to follow at 1pm, Danny Smith officiating. She will be laid to rest in Stansbury Cemetery immediately following the service.

                In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations to The Scott Winningham Memorial Fund and The Crab Orchard Christian Church building fund.

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