Esther Spencer Clevidence

Esther Spencer Clevidence, 97, of Little Rock, died peacefully in her sleep on December 5, 2016. Her daughters were with her. Esther was born on November 30, 1919 in Little Rock to Rena Powell and Thomas Austin Spencer. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband of nearly 71 years, Everett Arthur Clevidence; brothers, Thomas Austin Spencer, Jr. and William Roe Spencer; and nephews, Kenneth Earl Bray and William Roe Spencer Jr. Esther experienced the great depression as a child dreaming of the good life she eventually enjoyed. She graduated from Little Rock High School and married Everett in 1938. Being a woman ahead of her time and an entrepreneur, she started a coffee shop for employees at Ottenheimer Brothers Manufacturing which she grew to a full-service cafeteria serving breakfast and lunch, and then expanded to three full-service cafeterias at the new industrial location of Kellwood Company. She sold the business and began work at Worthen Bank where she was Teller of the Year for several years. She retired at the end of 1984 to be a full-time grandmother, affectionately known as ‘Duh Duh'. Esther had a loving and fun spirit and will be missed by those who knew and loved her. She was an active member of Mabelvale United Methodist Church and loved her church family. Esther is survived by her daughters Beverly (Herb Weiss) of Reisterstown, Maryland, and Cynthia (Charles Crone) of Little Rock, grandson Andrew Crone, and great-grandson, Andrew Charles Crone, Jr. (‘Charlie'). Her son-in-law, Charles, was like a son to her. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Betty Clevidence, nieces, Carolyn Clevidence Meins and Dorothy Spencer Becknell, and nephews, Denny Bray, Thomas Austin Spencer III, and Ron Clevidence and their children. The family wishes to thank UAMS, hospice, and assisted living caregivers and friends. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 7 from 5-7 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). Funeral services will be Thursday, December 8 at 11 a.m. at Mabelvale United Methodist Church, followed by interment at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. Memorials may be made to Mabelvale United Methodist Church, 10500 Woodman, Mabelvale, Ark. 72103. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Esther's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.