Nina F. Spencer

Nina Spencer, 84, of Douglass, TX passed away in Nacogdoches, TX on Saturday, August 24, 2019. She was born on September 24, 1934, to the late Sam and Annie Bell (Croft) Watkins in Douglass. Nina graduated from Douglass High School and received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University. She began her teaching career in the Aldine School District and after two years moved to Freeport and then Lake Jackson and taught in the Brazosport Schools. Most of that time she taught 5th grade. She met and married James R. Spencer, who worked at DOW Chemical, in 1961. He preceded her in death in 1989.

After James retired from DOW Chemical, they moved to Douglass and she finished her teaching career substituting in Douglass and Alto Schools. Nina retired in 1988 and became a member of Teacher Retirement System of Texas and Nacogdoches County Retired Teachers. She firmly believed in the importance of these organizations to teachers. She was a Lifetime Member of Texas State Teachers Association/National Education Association, a member of Daughters of the American Revolution and an active member of Douglass First Baptist Church.

Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brothers, Everett and Larry Watkins. She is survived by three stepchildren Jim (Sherry), Karen, and Rocky Spencer of Colorado. Also, she is survived by brother Charles R. Watkins (Jo), and sister Mildred (Millie) McLaughlin (Paul) of Douglass. Her surviving nieces are Lisa McLaughlin of Mason, OH, Deanna McLaughlin of Centerville, OH and Teresa Byars of Port St. Lucie, FL, and nephews Michael Watkins of Houston, TX, Sam Watkins of Poteau, OK, Steven Watkins of Grapeland, TX and Richard Watkins of Douglass, TX.

The love and support of a dear friend, Dana Joiner, to Nina and her family are deeply appreciated. The family also wishes to thank the Hospice of East Texas team, Dr. Loyd Whitley, and the nurses who cared for Nina at Nacogdoches Medical Center.

A funeral service with Rev. Bobby King and Rev. Sam Watkins officiating will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 29, 2019 at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home, Nacogdoches, with visitation at 1:00 p.m. A private burial will be held at Douglass Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Nina’s name may be made to Gideon’s International or Hospice of East Texas.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.