BETTY ANN MERRY SPENCER,

passed away on December 6, 2021. She was born in Sarasota, Florida, on April 28, 1931, daughter of Vivian (Garrison) Merry and Lawrence Pelletier Merry. She graduated from Manatee High School in 1948 and attended Florida State University. She lived in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Plant City, Florida, for years before retiring to North Little Rock, Arkansas, with her husband Robert (Bob) Spencer.

Robert, her husband of 45 years, survives Betty. He affectionately called her “Rosie” throughout their marriage. She was a wonderful wife and best friend. There are four children, Carol Ann Ferreira of Murphy, N.C., Merry Ann Naude of Plant City, Florida, Thomas Alan Mills of Port Charlotte, Florida, and a stepson, William Gregory Graham of Jacksonville, Florida, who survive her. Grandchildren include, Leslie, Sarah, Opal, Nancy, Katie, and Julie, and Eric. There are also four great-grandchildren, Chloe, Nathan, Eli, and Liam.

Betty was an accomplished pianist who played organ and piano for years in churches in both Florida and Arkansas. She played personally for Jose Iturbi when she was growing up. She enjoyed jazz and attended shows and concerts over the years listening to the jazz greats. Betty enjoyed travelling both at home and abroad, visiting Europe on three occasions. In business, she was a bookkeeper and for years had her own business. She enjoyed her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. During her husband’s military career, she fully supported his efforts. For her loyalty and support, Betty received the Florida Distinguished Service medal in 1997. She was a 50 plus year member of Beta Sigma Phi, belonging to the Mu Master Chapter in North Little Rock, Ark. In 2015, she received acknowledgement for her 50 years of steadfast devotion,

In death, Betty will live again through the promise of resurrection. The sadness of her passing from this earth is only temporary, as the memories will live on with the survivors and those who knew her. Being a child of God became part of her soul and the fulfillment is now visible for her to see. Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home is overseeing the arrangements and cremation. A celebration of life service at Lakewood Methodist Church in North Little Rock shall occur at a later date. A subsequent service shall occur in Plant City, Florida, at a later date. The services shall include selections of Betty’s favorite music. Please, no flowers. Memorials to Arkansas Children’s’ Hospital, Little Rock, Ark. Sign Mrs. Spencer’s online guestbook at: www.smithfamilycares.com