Search by Name

Search by Name

Dorothy Spencer Obituary

Dorothy Wilbourne (Dot) Spencer, 81, of Hardy, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 29, 2008. Dot was a retired piano teacher from Roanoke. In the past, she held offices with the Roanoke Music Teachers, the Valley Music Teachers and was certified with the Virginia Music Teachers Association and the National Music Teachers Association. She was the organist and pianist at the Red Valley United Methodist Church and director of Red Valley Chimes Choir. Preceding Dot in death were her husband of 45 years, Noel Elton Spencer Sr.; her parents, Willie B. and Lottie Kidd Wilbourne; and brother, Ernest Wilbourne. Surviving to cherish her memory are sons and daughterin-law, Noel Elton Spencer Jr. and wife, Sharon, and Gary Lee Spencer; grandson, Noel Eugene Spencer; greatgrandson, Cole Spencer; nephew, Michael Wilbourne; good friends, Rachel Maupin and Barbara and Danny Maupin as well as many other friends and neighbors. A memorial service celebrating Dorothy's life will be conducted at Red Valley United Methodist Church on Tuesday, December 2, 2008, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Patricia Stover officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church. The family requests memorial donations in Dot's name be made to either the Red Valley United Methodist Church, 20 Red Valley Road, Boones Mill, Va. 24065 or to the Good Samaritan hospice, 382 Electric Road, Roanoke, Va. 24018. Arrangements by Lynch Funeral Home, 140 Floyd Ave., Rocky Mount, Va. 24151. To send condolences online, please visit www.lynchfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times on Dec. 1, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Spencer

Not sure what to say?





Tamra Brown

December 2, 2008

Dot was such a kind lady. She always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. She was our neigbor and friend for many years. We will miss her; and her wonderful cakes she would make us from time to time. She was always thinking of others. I pray that God will bless and comfort you in this time of loss.
Marvin and Tamra Brown (Hardy VA)

Terry & Justin Phillips

December 2, 2008

Gary, Noel and Family,
Please know our hearts are with you in this time of great sadness. Know that if there is anything we can do to help ease the pain of your loss please let us know. A memorial contribution will be made to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation in your mom's honor and memory.

Sherrie Andrews

December 2, 2008

When I was just getting started as a piano teacher, Dot was the one who took me under her wing and gave me some wonderful tips. One of the best was getting me to join the Roanoke Valley Music Teachers Association, where I've been active for 20 years, now.
She was also a wonderful accompanist for our children's Christmas productions at Northview UMC during the time I directed them. I appreciated so much her encouragement and her professionalism! She touched many lives and will be greatly missed!

Lynne S. Kessler, RVMTA President

December 2, 2008

On behalf of Roanoke Valley Music Teachers Association, I would like to express our condolences to Dot Spencer's family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Bobby & Pam Harman

December 2, 2008

Noel and Sharon,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you . May the good memories help you in your times of sadness.

Sharon Boitnott

December 1, 2008

To the family of Dot Spencer: I am a former piano student of Mrs. Spencer, "Dot". I have so much admiration for her and so many fond memories. She was a great teacher but she was so much more than that, she was a friend. Please accept my deepest sympathies as the music world knows that a beautiful talented lady has left us. My family would also like to express their appreciation for the education she passed onto me as well as the eternal gift of music. Our thoughts and prayers remain with each of you.

Sharon (Lunsford) Boitnott
Ray and Mary Lunsford

Mike & Sarah Pettrey

December 1, 2008

Noel& Gary, Your mother was a one of a kind, in all ways. Mike,myself and Dusty will miss her sooooo much. She always had such good advice for all of my inquires to different subjects! And Dusty won't have a place to run to when Mike starts up the mower. Please remember we are just next door if you need us.

Darrell Bryant

December 1, 2008

Noel & Gary,

Your Mother and Father were both Special. I will never forget their hospitality and our times at Smith Mtn. They were both an influence on my life. I know how much you will miss your Mom.

Sam, Jeannie, Mary Hannah and Chrissa Kate Garber

December 1, 2008

Dot was such an inspiration! Her energy, positive attitude and musical talent created happiness for so many. She had no idea how many lives she touched with her encouragement and passion for music and dance- my family is one that will always remember Dot with a big smile and a happy heart!

Faye Caldwell

December 1, 2008

I send my deepest sympathy to the family. Dot was a friend and we shared a relative, Esther Owen, her grandmother and my aunt by marriage. She was always a sweet lady and I know that she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
I wish the Lord's blessings on all the family and may they feel God's loving arms around them as they go through this sad time.

Patsy Elliott

December 1, 2008

Noel .Robin & Cole
Sorry to hear of your grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Patsy & Jim Elliott

Tim Wheeler

December 1, 2008

Dot was such a kind and nice lady. Her service to her church and God was an inspiration to all that knew her. She always had a smile and a kind word for everyone and her sharing of her talent and her devotion to God were paramount in her life. She will be missed by everyone. My condolences to her family and I pray that God will bless and comfort them as well as her dearest friends in this time of loss.

Dwight and Marjorie Griffin

December 1, 2008

Your mother will be greatly missed, not only by her family, but all of us who loved and respected her for her devotion to her church and her community.
She was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in Dorothy Spencer's name

Memorial Events
for Dorothy Spencer

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Dorothy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Dorothy Spencer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more