Barbara Jean Spencer

Barbara Jean Spencer, 95, of Tampa, Florida, entered eternal rest on September 9, 2025. Born on June 11, 1930, in Kansas City, Missouri, Barbara was one of nine children and the last surviving member of her family.

A devoted wife, mother, and servant of God, Barbara’s life was centered on her faith and her family. She was the heart of her home, raising five children with love, patience, and sacrifice. Her strong faith guided her daily life—she attended daily Mass for many years and later became a lay member of the Carmelite religious order.

Barbara was an active member of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Ocala, where she and her beloved husband dedicated themselves to outreach ministries serving those in need around the world. Together, they spent five years in the mountains of the Dominican Republic, helping to build homes and care for children, and later devoted six years in Uganda, overseeing the development of Blessed Trinity Nalweyo—a mission project that grew to include a convent, rectory, church, school, health clinic, and teachers’ quarters. Most noteworthy recognitions for hers and her husband’s missionary service were the receiving of Pope Benedict XVI’s Papal Blessing and medals, and the naming of a church in Nalweyo, Uganda—St. Barbara’s Mission Church—in her honor.

She will also be remembered for her beautiful singing voice, once a member of the Sweet Adelines singing group, her passion for sports of all kinds, and her love of snow skiing—which she didn’t learn to do until almost 65.

In her later years, Barbara moved to Sun City Center and eventually lived with her daughter and son-in-law, where she attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She was a steadfast example of faith and devotion, the “rock” of her family, and will be remembered for her unwavering love for God, her deep devotion to her husband, her beautiful smile, and even her spirited love of sports.

Barbara is survived by her children Paul Spencer (Cathy), Geri Henry (Tom), Barbara Ryan (Michael), Mike Spencer (Julia), and John Spencer; 14 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Her legacy of faith, service, and love will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.

A funeral mass for Barbara will be held Friday, November 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 509 N Florida Ave, Tampa, Florida 33605.