Carolyn Sawyer Spencer

Carolyn Sawyer Spencer passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2020. She was born Carolyn Bell Sawyer on September 19, 1924 in Swan Quarter, NC. Carolyn was predeceased by her husband Earl Sr., son Greg and siblings Vernon L. Sawyer and Marie Campen.

After graduating from high school, she stayed home for one year, then attended the business school at the Women’s College of Greensboro, NC. During her first year, she began working in a highly classified civilian job at a U.S. military base in Greensboro. It was here she met WWII bomber pilot Lt. Earl W. Spencer. They married in 1946 and together they raised three sons; the first Steve (Janice) was born in New York City, the second Earl Jr. (Delaine) in Tachikawa, Japan and the third Greg (Alison) in Riverside, CA.

Having travelled the world while her husband served in the Air Force, they were transferred to Montgomery, AL. There she faithfully attended the Maxwell Air Force Base Chapel and was an active member of the Officer’s Wives Club where she served in various positions. She had a true passion and love for golf, Bridge and crossword puzzles, as well as fashion, to include modeling for Gayfer’s.

After a brief stint in Minot, ND, her husband retired from the service and they moved back to the warmer weather of Montgomery. For the next 40 years, they continued to be active in their community and Maxwell AFB. In 2012, her husband passed away and she moved to an assisted living facility in Hoover, AL to be close to family. There she attended, then joined Riverchase United Methodist Church with her son Steve and his family. She loved all her family and liked nothing more than spending time with her grandchildren (Brad, Scott, Jack, Sidney Marlborough) and great-grandchildren (Evia, Ellie, Grady, Olen, Theo Marlborough). She was an incredibly special lady. Her natural beauty was surpassed only by her inner beauty and strength. To her family, and all who knew her, she was a caring, wise and compassionate person. She will be missed.

She died after a short period of declining health. A graveside family service is planned for Thursday, September 24th at Leak-Memory Chapel in Montgomery, Alabama. Entombment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, she requested contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.