Doris Jean Spence

Doris Jean Spence, age 86, passed away Friday, August 11, 2017. She was born June 15, 1931, in Stockton California, to Clarence Wesley Ball Everett and Lillian May Natzke Everett. If you knew Jean you knew her love of God, country and family. She was a devoted wife of 47 years and loved her children and family dearly. She worked for many years at Union Life Insurance Company of Little Rock, before leaving there to become a homemaker. She was very proud to be a descendent of John Hart who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and was a member in good standing of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. She also was a former member of the Little Rock Garden Club. She was a longtime member of Henderson United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School for the Wesley Class, was a youth director, Choir member, and an active member of the United Methodist Women. She was a devout Christian who lead her family by example. One of Jean's favorite activities was camping with her husband and children at various campsites around the state of Arkansas, creating many great memories. Her patriotism was on full display just not on the 4th of July, but every day. Jean's warmth and love made Christmas the best time of year creating festive family gatherings for extended family and friends. She enjoyed carrying on the traditions and memories of the Spence-Masters family reunion, passing the torch to the next generation. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 47 years James Richard ‘Jim' Spence of Little Rock, and her sister Lois Middleton of Jacksonville. She is survived by her son Randy Spence and wife Anita of Little Rock, David Spence and wife Cindy of Little Rock, Steve Spence and wife Melissa of Dallas and daughter, Laura Leech and husband James of Little Rock; grandsons, Elliot Adams, Aaron Spence, and McLean Leech, and granddaughters, Celeste Flannigan, Diana Allen, and Mattie Leech, and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 17, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary of Henderson United Methodist Church, 13000 W. Baseline Road in Little Rock, with food and fellowship to follow in the Family Life Center. Burial will be at Rest Hills Cemetery in North Little Rock, Ark. Service arrangements being handled by Rest Hills Funeral Home in North Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be made to Henderson United Methodist Church. The family has asked for you to share your memories online at www.griffinleggettresthills.com.