Heaven gained an angel the evening of May 26, 2020, when Vera Mae Spencer passed peacefully into heaven. She was 90, born on October 3, 1929 in Forrest City, Arkansas—the eldest child to William Albert and Vera Nina Breining. Vera graduated from Memphis Technical High School in Memphis, Tennessee.
She married the love of her life, Charles Edward Spencer (Ed), on March 16, 1950 in a small wedding chapel (Wee Kirk of the Heather) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ironically, they shared the same birthday—just different years! They were blessed with two handsome and talented sons, Chuck and David. Vera and Ed loved to travel and didn’t let the grass grow under their feet for very long before they were off on their next adventure!
Vera worked in retail management for many years and excelled because she was a people person with the “gift of gab.” Later, she handled all the scheduling and billing for their successful concrete construction business. Vera was creative, had an engaging personality, and a beautiful smile. She had many hobbies and talents which included sewing, crafting, gardening and painting. She was also a gourmet cook and enjoyed experimenting with new recipes.
Some of her happiest times were spent in Mississippi when she and Ed purchased 50+ acres in Ashland, Mississippi on Snow Lake Shores and turned an old, country barn into a beautiful, showplace home. They enjoyed the farm life where they raised goats, chickens and grew vegetables. When Ed’s health began to decline, they sold that property and moved to Olive Branch, Mississippi. Ed and Vera were fun-loving and enjoyed playing cards and board games with her sister Barbara among many others. Canasta was her favourite card game. Vera loved to entertain and had some wonderful parties at their home.
Vera was preceded in death by her brother, Bill Breining, beloved husband, Ed, and two sons, Chuck and David. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Ann Halfacre, four grandchildren: Kris Spencer, Nicholas Hutchison, Tricia Gulikers and Haley Baird, five great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews. Vera will be greatly missed and her love, kindness, warmth, giving nature, smile and laughter will be long remembered. While we will miss her, we take great comfort in knowing that she is now in the loving arms of Jesus and is reunited with her loved ones.
