Elizabeth Mae "Betty" Krueger Spencer

Elizabeth Mae “Betty” Krueger Spencer, 90, of Pascagoula, MS, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on April 16, 2016. There she joined her loving husband of 69 years, Lamar Spencer; her parents, Walter and Myrtle Krueger; her three brothers, Lloyd Krueger, Walt Krueger, and Howard Krueger; and members of the Krueger and Spencer families who have preceded her in death. Betty was born in Marinette, Wisconsin, then moved to Bastrop, Louisiana, with her parents when she was 3 years old, and to Mobile, Alabama, when she was 11 years old. She graduated from Murphy High School when she was 16 years old, and at the age of almost 18 years joined hands and hearts with Lamar Spencer in holy matrimony. Betty served with Lamar in ministry with the Alabama/West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Together they served the following churches: First Methodist Church of Prichard, East Tallassee Methodist Church, Bonifay Methodist Church, First Methodist Church of Hartford, Trinity Methodist Church of Phenix City, First Methodist Church of Greensboro, Chickasaw Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church of Crestview, Forest Park United Methodist Church of Panama City, and First United Methodist Church of Atmore. After Lamar’s retiring, they moved to Pascagoula, MS, and he served for nine years as the retired supply at Dauphin Island United Methodist Church. Betty’s contributions to ministry included: Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent, choir member, handbell choir member, pianist, occasional organist, choir director, Vacation Bible School teacher, leader of church women’s groups, camp counselor, and youth counselor. Betty was famous for sharing Christmas stories at various churches and with other organizations. While living in Greensboro, AL, Betty commuted to Judson College and got her degree in Education. She taught elementary school, junior high school, and then History, English, and French in high school. While she lived in Atmore, AL, she attended Troy State University and earned a master’s degree in Guidance Counseling. Next she worked as a Guidance Counselor at T. R. Miller High School in Brewton, AL. After moving to Pascagoula, she taught at Pascagoula High School and then served as a Guidance Counselor there. This was another form of ministry to her as she helped to guide the students in their academics, career plans, and personal lives. When actual retirement from “real” work came about, Betty began volunteering with the Singing River Hospital Auxiliary. This continued for 16 years. She was also involved in Red Cross blood drives and worked at the election polls. For fun, she helped coach youth baseball and soccer for her grandsons’ teams. She also enjoyed quilting and traveling. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Pascagoula for almost 34 years. In her later years she participated in the Tuesday Bridge group at Eastlawn United Methodist Church. “Bet”, as she was lovingly called by her family and friends, is survived by her son, Dr. David L. (Mary) Spencer of Ocean Springs, MS; her three grandsons, Dr. David L. (Amy) Spencer, Jr., of Ocean Springs, MS, Dr. James C. (Anke) Spencer of Newton, MA, and Edward Spencer of Pascagoula, MS; and her six great-grandchildren, Brannon Spencer, Taylor Spencer, Samuel Spencer, Johannes Spencer, Luisa Spencer, and Marie-Sophie Elizabeth Spencer. Also to rejoice Betty’s transition to her heavenly home are her sister and brother-in-law, Libbie and Norman Wirts, of Huntsville, AL, and other members of the Krueger and Spencer families. She will be sadly missed. The family would like to thank the administration and staff at River Chase Village in Gautier for their wonderful care of Bet in her last years. They would also like to give special thanks to Rose Hunter, Bet’s devoted companion/chauffeur. A celebration of life service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 2710 Pascagoula Street, Pascagoula, MS, on Saturday, April 23, 2016, at 11am with visitation beginning at the church at 10am. Rev. Eddie Kirby and Rev. Sherry Judy will be officiating. Interment will follow at Mobile Memorial Gardens in Mobile, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Reverend Lamar and Betty Spencer Endowed Scholarship Fund at Huntingdon College, 1500 East Fairview Avenue, Montgomery, AL, 36106. Holder- Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point, MS is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the online register book and send condolences for Mrs. Spencer at www.holderwellsfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Elizabeth Mae "Betty" Krueger Spencer

April 11, 1926 - April 16, 2016