Emma ‘Amy’ Knaus Coffey Spencer
Mrs. Spencer was born on May 9, 1925 in Traunik, Michigan. She passed away peacefully with family at her side after a short term illness and a long journey with Alzheimer’s. After graduating from Eben High School and business school, she worked with Eastern Airlines in Atlanta, Georgia. She then married, began a family, and over the next 25 years raised her nine children. She was later employed by Westminster Presbyterian Church in Decatur as a church secretary. After retiring from the church, Mrs. Spencer was active in teaching Sunday school at Central Methodist Church for nursing home patients, singing in the senior choir, and visiting shut-in church members. In addition to her church work, she was a participant and advocate for the Alzheimer’s support group, a member of the Straw Hat Garden Club in Decatur and lifelong member of the Traunik Slovenian Club. She loved gardening, music, cooking, and was passionate about her family, who adored her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Antonia and John Knaus; eight siblings and her beloved husband, Bruce Lodge Spencer. Mrs. Spencer is also preceded in death by a grandson, Wyatt Mitchell.
She is survived by her children, Debbie Langley (Larry), Joan Morehead (Tommy), Jane Cason (Gene), Susan Riley, Nancy Mitchell, Carol Clark (Grant), John Coffey (Victoria), Don Coffey (Judith), Bobby Coffey (Lee Ann). She is also survived by her sister, Helen Lack of Marquette, Michigan; 23 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.Her cherished grandchildren are Tyler Langley, Adam Langley, Russ Cason, Seth Cason, Lauren Haney, Brad Morehead, Ben Morehead, Jonathon Riley, Dawn Riley, Sarah Hook, Julia Rittenhouse, Brooks Mitchell, Grant Clark, Nathan Clark, Meredith Coffey, Harmon Coffey, Sam Coffey, Philip Coffey, Gus Coffey, Rachel Reeder, Harrison Coffey and Spencer Coffey.
The family will receive friends and family at Central United Methodist Church, 616 Jackson St. SE, Decatur on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. with a service following at 2:30 p.m. Graveside will follow at Roselawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to the following: Alzheimer’s Association, North Alabama Office, 117A Longwood Dr. SE, Huntsville Ala 35801 or Traunik Slovenian Club, c/o Elaine Debelak, N2316 ET Road, Trenary, MI 49891-9619.
