Gloria Lee (Blakeley) Spencer

Dr. Gloria Lee (Blakeley) Spencer, of Hot Springs, passed away on September 13, 2018. She was 77 years old. Born on August 4, 1941 in Mineral Wells, Texas, she was the daughter of Walter William and Hazel Lee (Wilborn) Blakeley. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Morris Spencer Jr. and her parents. She is survived by her sons Dr. Thomas Morris Spencer III (Melissa) of Kingsville, Texas, and Blake Lee Spencer (Bonnie) of Wendell, North Carolina, and seven grandchildren. Gloria grew up in Levelland, Texas and was one of the first graduates of South Plains College. She graduated from Texas Tech University at the age of 19. She later earned a master's degree from Tech and, at a time when few women were enrolled in doctoral programs, a PhD in English from the University of Texas in 1968. Gloria was a Texas native who moved to Arkansas in 1970 and came to consider Hot Springs her home. She was an English professor and sponsor of the Scroll yearbook at the University of Central Arkansas in the 1980s. Gloria was an avid reader, enjoyed playing bridge, and doing needlework. Graveside services will be 2 p.m., Friday, September 21, 2018, in the Crestview Memorial Park with Rev. Chip Hatcher officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs. Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Thursday evening. The family would like to thank Tina and Jan and the rest of Gloria's caregivers from Home Instead, who lovingly ensured that she was well cared for in her last years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Park Community College Foundation, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.