Mrs. Jacqueline Sue “Jackie” Spencer
May 2, 1942 – October 7, 2022
On Friday, October 7, 2022, Jackie Spencer passed away at her home surrounded by family and friends; she was 80. Jackie was a member of the Eddy Missionary Baptist Church.
Jackie was born on May 2, 1942 in Arab, AL to Earl and Ruby (Green) Rice. As a teen ager, she worked the movie theater. She graduated from Arab High School in 1960 and the same year began her career working for Marshall Space Flight Center as a clerk-typist. Later was secretary to deputy of the Shuttle Office. She worked her way through college, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Athens State University in March 1986. Jackie was in charge of the MSFC Medical Center and the Exercise Program. Jackie and Clay Spencer got married in 1981.
After 24 years at MSFC, she transferred to the Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command as a Budget Analyst and while there completed the military’s Comptroller program taught at Maxwell Air Force Base, graduating at the top of her class. She completed her civil service career as a Program Analyst, GS13, with the U. S. Army and retired at age 51 with 33 years of service.
Following retirement, they moved to North Carolina, where she taught basket classes, then enameling at John C. Campbell Folk School. She loved enameling and became the Resident Artist in enameling at the Folk School and built it to be one of the top enameling programs in the country. After 15 years in North Carolina, she and Clay returned to the Arab area to be closer to family and friends.
Jackie had a passion for fishing; she grew up fishing at Guntersville Lake and below the Guntersville Dam with her father, mostly fishing for crappie, and in retirement, enjoyed relaxing days fishing on her late Uncle G. C. Kelly’s pond in the Egypt community.
She also loved to travel, and she and Clay travelled throughout the U. S., visiting or passing through 47 of the lower 48 states. Their travels often were centered around visiting friends, as friends and family were a top priority. She loved to visit her friends in North Carolina and going to the Outer Banks. She spoke of them often and the beauty of the Outer Banks.
Jackie was known for her strong work ethic as reflected by her numerous awards and commendations and her independent nature. But to her family and friends, she will be remembered for her dedication, generosity and compassion towards those she loved. She was a best friend, closest cousin, motherly Aunt and a cherished wife, loved deeply by all who knew her.
Jackie was preceded in death by her father, Earl, her mother, Ruby, her sister Priscilla Wilson, niece Michelle Smith and great niece Belle Smith. She is survived by her husband Clay, two nephews Lance and Brent Burgess, several cousins, and great nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Eddy Missionary Baptist Church in Arab at 2 o’clock, with visitation beginning at 1 o’clock. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in her name to either Eddy Missionary Baptist Church or the John C Campbell Folk School.
Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, Directing.
