Mary Elizabeth Wilkins Spencer

Mary Elizabeth Wilkins Spencer "Lizzie" went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 13, 2025, shortly after celebrating her 102nd birthday. Born May 12, 1923, in Monroe, Louisiana, Mary Elizabeth's life was full of grace, kindness, and love for Jesus, music, family, and friends.

Daughter of Roy Allen Wilkins Sr. and Floyce Lucretia Brown Wilkins, Mary Elizabeth grew up in Tallulah, Louisiana, surrounded by the love of her five siblings: Katherine, Roy Jr., George, Edwin, and Charles. Throughout her younger years, Mary Elizabeth found great joy playing the piano, singing in choirs, being active in her church youth group, and playing the drums in her high school marching band.

Following clerical studies at Northeast Junior College, at the age of 19, Mary Elizabeth and her sister moved to the "big city" of Baton Rouge. Mary Elizabeth worked at the LSU School of Journalism, the Louisiana State Capitol on the 23rd floor, and Exxon. However, her greatest joy was family. After marrying Everett Heath Spencer Sr. in 1948, she devoted her life to raising their four children: Barbara Jane Reese, Everett Heath Spencer Jr., Mary Katherine Robertson, and the late Richard Mark Spencer Sr.

As an active member of First Baptist Church since moving to Baton Rouge, Mary Elizabeth enjoyed singing in the choir with her beautiful alto voice. She also enjoyed participating in many other activities at the church. Known for her infectious laugh, her fun-loving, feisty spirit, and her kind, loving heart, she never met a stranger. She blessed the lives of all who knew her. Her legacy includes nine grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to caregivers Francine Johnson and April Tyler, whose compassionate care provided Mrs. Lizzie with comfort, dignity, and love for over seven years. The family would also like to thank Griswold Home Care for the excellent services they provided in caring for Mary Elizabeth.

As we say goodbye for now, we find comfort in the words of Psalm 23, knowing Mary Elizabeth is now with her Lord, singing in the heavenly choir. We know we will see her again one day!