Dorothy Jean Norwood Spence, 91, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family Saturday, November 28, 2020 in Waco, Texas.
Service Information: A private memorial service at the Central Texas Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas will be held on Monday December 21, 2020.
She was born on March 24, 1929 in Cordova, Tennessee. She was the eighth of ten children of the late William and Agnes (Hill) Norwood. Dorothy grew up on the W.E. Norwood & Sons dairy farm in Cordova and graduated from Nicholas Blackwell High School in 1947.
She started her professional career in 1947 at the Southern Teachers Agency in Memphis, Tennessee. After serving many years as the director of the Mother’s Day Out program at Clear Lake Baptist Church in Houston, she went on to work as a purchasing agent at the University of Houston at Clear Lake where she retired in 1994. Prior to moving to Waco, the family resided in the Clear Lake area of Houston for 43 years.
Throughout her life, Dorothy proved to be an accomplished gardener and crafter. She crocheted many afghan blankets for her friends and family. She was known for her quick wit, her infectious smile, and her kind and compassionate spirit.
She loved anything related to Texas A&M University, activities of her grandchildren, the Clear Lake Lunch Bunch, her Pembroke Welsh Corgis: Holli & Ginger, her community and church. She was also an avid follower of the Webster Texas Bald Eagles.
Dorothy was a long-time member of Clear Lake Baptist Church in Houston and recently joined First Baptist Church of Waco. Her life was a living example of one of her favorite Bible verses, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Her children will remember her as a loving, supportive, and generous mother. She attended every church, school and sporting event in which they were involved. She was their biggest fan.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, David A. Spence Jr. in 2019. She is survived by her sister, Mildred Weeks of Paron, Arkansas. She will be lovingly remembered by her three children: David III (Ellen) of Pipe Creek, Texas; Loyd (Anne) of Hewitt, Texas; and Margaret (Mark) McGraw of Hewitt, Texas. Dorothy will be fondly remembered by her seven grandchildren, John David McGraw, Tyler Spence, Austin Spence, Jackson McGraw, Abigail Spence (McCook), James David Spence, and Joseph Spence. Also preceded in death by siblings: Malcolm Norwood, Henry Norwood, Minnie Dunn, Eleanor Philip, Charles Norwood, Sarah Bryant, Thomas Norwood, and Barbara Hollowell.
Memorial donations in Dorothy’s memory may be sent to Clear Lake Baptist Church Food Pantry, 15700 Space Center Blvd, Houston, Texas 77062 or https://clearlakebaptist.churchcenter.com/giving.
The family would like to thank her dedicated and loving caregivers at The Delaney at Lake Waco and the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest.
Print Obituary & Condolences
Dorothy Spence was a special person in my life ,
I will never forget her love she put in my ❤️
I miss her every single day ,
Until we meet again ,
May you Rest In Peace Dorothy!
Thank you , for being a special part of my life !!
I love you so much !❣️🙏🏻
Sorry to hear of Dorothy’s death. She was a long time and good friend of Diana. She will be missed,
Sorry for the loss of such a wonderful
person and family member. What a witness for the Pord. I did not know her but do know some of her extended family who are carrying on her legacy.
I enjoyed every moment spent with Dorothy at the Delaney and will miss her so.
I had the honor of meeting Dorothy , David and Ginger as neighbors at The Delaney. We became friends until i left in August. She was a dear sweet woman, we helped each other through the rough times.I will always remember her with love. Rest In Peace sweet lady. 🙏🏻
Sincere condolences to David, Margaret and Loyd. Many, many conversations were spent with her sharing you and your family’s accomplishments. She was so proud of you.
There isn’t space here for me to say what I want to say. She was TOUGH. It didn’t take long to know what she was made of. She was SPIRITUAL. God was her pilot. She was ETHICAL. She was a PERFECTIONIST. Especially a professional perfectionist. Her work was error free. Her reports were perfectly presented. She had an abundance of COMMON SENSE and was willing to share and advise. I loved her stories. She was LOYAL. I spent time with David when he was sick. He loved Dorothy so much and I heard many stories going back to his childhood, their courtship and marriage. I know they are reunited now. She was an amazing woman. I loved her and miss her in my life, but I also know she has her heavenly reward. Till we meet again my dear friend! ❤️
I had the honor of meeting Dorothy while caring for another client at Delaney. There was never a morning that we did not laugh, share heartfelt memories, and just spend quality time visiting with each other. She was an amazing woman. Very loving and supportive of all.
Thank you Dorothy for giving me the opportunity to have know you. Know your in God’s hands.
Love and prayers for the family.
She will be missed.