Carol Spence

Carol Spence

In the early hours of November 6, an ecstatic husband was reunited with his longtime sweetheart. Sadly for those left behind, the unexpected loss of Carol May Spence, 74, has left a hole in the hearts of those privileged enough to call her family or friend. Taking care of others was her calling and family was EVERYTHING. She reared four children of her own and babysat countless others over the years who still think of her as their second mom. She spent the last 10 years of her life working in Dr. Rahbe's office caring for patients who loved and needed her. She was fondly known as Mama Spence, especially by Bradley County Emergency Services (Rescue, EMS, Fire) who ate many a meal crowded around her kitchen table....and she loved every minute of it! Her straight forward way of guiding, teaching, helping and loving her family and friends was one of a kind. She will be missed more than she will ever know.  

She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, William H. (Bill) Spence; one granddaughter Tiffany Lynn Coffey; parents, Henry May & Nellie Bullard May, and one brother Bob May. 

Carol left behind a large family that loved her beyond all measure. Survivors include four children who will never be the same: Vickie (Dwight) Coffey, Larry Spence, Jeff (Mae) Spence, and Troy (Jennifer) Spence. Grandchildren include: Misti Coffey, Brandon (Karen) Spence, Justin Coffey, Samuel (Courtney) Spence, Logan Spence & Kaitlyn Spence. Great grandchildren are Oliviah Spence, Savanna Spence & Sawyer Spence. Siblings include: Jim May, Betty Lawson, Bill May, Mary Jenkins, Martha Sommers, Linda Taylor, Gracie (Jim) McGuffin, Margaret McClary, & Joy (Bo) Renner. Nieces & Nephews include: Robert May, Mark May, Shawn Sommers, John Sommers, Alice Sommers Murphy, Pam Jenkins, Ricky Jenkins, Melissa Simonetta, Peter Lawson, Susan Griffin, Billy May, Karen Pollard, Kelly Chamberlain, Robin Taylor Wilson, Jamie Taylor, Franklin McGuffin, Addie McGuffin Lynch, Forrest Renner, Brett Renner plus many, many cousins, great nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home and Crematory on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. followed by interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens with a white dove release.

The family will receive friends at Ralph Buckner Funeral Home and Crematory on Wednesday, November 09, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Cleveland area Salvation Army Angel Tree project at 437 West Inman Street, Cleveland, TN  37311.

We invite you to view the family guestbook and send a message of condolence at www.ralphbuckner.com