Patricia D. Spence

Patricia Darlene Spence, “Patty.” 53, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away at home December 12, 2011, after a more than eight year long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born September 12, 1958 at Lawton, Oklahoma.

Patty was a Down’s Syndrome person and as a result of that she attended special school programs primarily in the Lawton, Oklahoma Public Schools. She participated in the Adult Day Programs at Abilities Unlimited in Fort Smith and Jonesboro from 1978 to 2004 when her illness finally robbed her of the will to continue. Patty also enjoyed weekly bowling with the Association of Retarded Citizens as well as its many other activities, particularly its dances. She was a Special Olympian. Patty loved The Wizard of Oz and shooting baskets on a goal at the home she shared with her parents.

Patty was a fan of all sports, and took part in the friendly rivalry her family carried on over the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins, supporting the Cowboys in all cases, except when they played the Redskins, whom she always supported. Patty loved the Razorbacks, reveling in their successes and getting down when they were not successful. A prized moment was visiting a Razorback basketball practice and getting her picture taken with Nolan Richardson.

Patty was favored in that she never met a stranger and had a spirit when healthy that while feisty, always sought to comfort those around her. She was told about Jesus and because of her simple faith, her family is confident that she is today in the loving arms of God.

Patty was preceded in death by her sister, Virginia Lorene Spence, her paternal grandparents, Ray and Mabel Spence, formerly of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and her maternal grandparents, George and Mira Lockwood, formerly of Paragould, Arkansas.

Patty is survived by her parents, Ray and Alfreda Spence, of the home, her sister and brother-in-law, Pamela and Richard Cowan, and her niece and nephew, Jennifer Cowan and Jeffery Cowan, all of Fort Smith, and her brother and sister-in-law, George and Linda Spence, of Bentonville, Arkansas.

The family wishes to express their thanks to the staff of Mercy Medical Center Hospice for their care in the final days of Patty’s life.

Funeral arrangements are private under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Abilities Unlimited, or Faith United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com