Joan Hawkins Spence, 83, of Harvest, died November 1, 2018 at her son’s home surrounded by family and under the care of Hospice.
Born December 31, 1934, in Sutton, West Virginia, Joan was the second child born to C. Fred and Lucille Johnson Hawkins. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree from Concord College where she was affiliated with the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. She taught for two years at Capital City Commercial College before moving to Norman, Oklahoma. In Norman, Joan was employed as a secretary-draftsman for Seis-Tech Exploration in Oklahoma City and supported her husband while he finished his schooling at the University of Oklahoma. Joan married David Ross Spence on January 23, 1959 and was blessed with one child, her son, Timothy Charles Spence. Joan enjoyed Hummingbirds, football and trying new recipes.
Joan was a stay at home wife and mother like many of the women in her time. She accompanied her husband on their many moves with his work: from Oklahoma to Seabrook, Texas then Huntsville, Alabama; Oak Ridge, Tennessee; New Orleans, Louisiana; Aiken, South Carolina and finally back to the Huntsville area in 1996 to be nearer to her son and his family.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her only brother, George, who was killed in Korea in 1950; and her husband, David, who passed just this past May.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law Timothy and Kay Spence of Huntsville, AL; her granddaughter, Kathryn Spence of Birmingham, AL; and her grandson, Michael Spence of Huntsville, AL.
Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00pm at Messiah Lutheran Church in Madison. Funeral services will follow at 2:00pm with Pastor Scott Peterson officiating with a reception afterwards. Burial will be at Huntsville Memory Gardens under the direction of Madison Chapel Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to make a donation to Hospice Family Care of Huntsville Hospital, East Limestone Senior Center, or your favorite charity.
