Spencer, Wilma B.

Wilma B. Spencer, 97, died Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, at Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab in Vinton following an extended illness. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, at First Baptist Church in Vinton, with the Rev. Zach Zajicek officiating. Interment will be at the Garrison Cemetery. Friends may call at the church in Vinton from 9 a.m. until service time on Wednesday.

A memorial fund has been established.

Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton is in charge of arrangements.

Wilma was born July 18, 1915, in Emberton, Ky., the daughter of William and Gustava (Dickerson) Turner. She graduated from the Garrison High School in 1935. She married A. Thomas Spencer on Aug. 14, 1935, in Vinton. Wilma was widowed in 1951. She raised her three sons in Vinton.

Wilma worked for many years at Feller's Dime Store in Vinton and at the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School as a house parent before her retirement.

For 58 years, she was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Vinton, where she taught Sunday school for many years and served on various boards.

She is survived by her son, Tom (Lorene) Spencer of Vinton; her brother, Bill (Eva) Turner of Grants Pass, Ore.; her sister, Marge Moore of Show Low, Ariz.; and several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Lillie Bowton, Marie Crowe and Floy Stewart; her brothers, Paul Turner and Wayne Turner; her sons, Bill Spencer of Riverton, Wyo., and Jack Spencer of Vinton; and her grandson, Mitchell Spencer of Vinton.

Wilma loved the Lord, her family and friends and will be greatly missed by all.

Condolences may be left at

Published Nov. 4, 2012 in The Gazette