Myriam Virginia Spence

Myriam Virginia Newman Spence passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at her home in Willis, VA. She was born in Fries, VA to Celissie Bolen Newman and William Heath Newman on August 10, 1924. She moved to Hillsville at the age of 8 months after the death of her mother and was raised by her Uncle Burt and Aunt Elva Bolen Semones.

She was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. She was an active member of Willis United Methodist Church and the community until her mobility no longer allowed her to be. Her church family and the members of the Willis Homemakers were a special part of her life.

She is survived by her sons & daughters-in-law, Arthur D. Spence III (Marie), James D. (Jimmy) Spence (Janie), Michael (Mike) G. Spence; daughter & son-in-law, Katie S. Vest (James); grandchildren & spouses, James (Jimmy) Brian Vest, Michelle England (Keith), Melissa Cox (Greg), Gretchen Gleim (Tommy), Neeley Russell (Philip); nine great-grandchildren; one great great-grandson; special sister-like cousin, Doris Semones Gibson (Bill); sister-in-law, Madeline Spence Bayne; brother-in-law, Mac McCaughey; many extended family members and her precious feline companion, Calico.

Over the past three years, mom has had many wonderful caregivers for which we are grateful. Thanks to Good Samaritan Hospice, Marlene Johnson, Barbara Bishop, Carolyn Sutphin, and many friends and neighbors for their devotion to mom.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 2, 2013 at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Darlene Marshall and Rev. Joe Cox officiating. Interment to follow in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Willis United Methodist Church, General Fund c/o Neil Bolt, Treasurer, 681 Burks Fork Rd. SW, Willis, VA 24380.