She was born on April 6, 1947 in Martinsville, the daughter of Walter and Fannie Bowles. She graduated from Bassett High School, and married her high school sweetheart, Bill Spencer, in 1967.
For thirty-two years, she worked for Tultex, starting her career as a secretary, and rising to become Customer Service Supervisor. When Tultex closed, she started a new job the next day as caregiver for her twin granddaughters, her best job ever, and she remained their biggest fan.
Marilyn was a lead coordinator at Grace Network of Martinsville and Henry volunteering countless hours to make the community a better place. She was an active member of Starling Avenue Baptist Church, where she served in many capacities.
Marilyn had the gift of hospitality, approaching everyone she met with a welcoming spirit. Her family was at the center of her life, but her wide circles of friends became another family, too, and were always welcomed with graciousness and open arms as well as a listening and compassionate ear. She made people feel at home in her presence.
She is survived by her husband, William H. (Bill) Spencer of Martinsville; daughter Amy Nicole Spencer Clemons; granddaughters Lauren Nicole Clemons and Morgan Paige Clemons; brother John Bowles (Susan); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 27 from 6-8 at McKee. The funeral will be on Friday, December 28 at 11:00 at Starling Avenue Baptist Church with the Reverends Ashley and Brian Harrington officiating. Interment will be at Roselawn Burial Park.
The family asks that memorials be made to Starling Avenue Baptist Church or Grace Network of Martinsville and Henry County.
Arrangements are by McKee-Stone Funeral Home-Martinsville, VA
To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com
