Ms. Betty Ruth McGriff Spence left this earth on May 6, 2008, to be with her Maker and loved ones gone on before. She was born and reared in DeFuniak Springs, almost making it to her 80th birthday of June 29th , born in 1928. Her parents were R.E. (Mac) and Ruth Burden McGriff. She had a love for flowers and was known for her creative design in floral arrangement and wedding coordination, having her own floral shop at home in the early 50s. She continued throughout her life donating arrangements that she made with love for family and friends. She taught school at Liberty Community School, Freeport High School and Freeport Adult School, and Walton Adult Education. Educated at Huntington College, Okaloosa Walton College and University of West Florida with certification in Special Education, valuing all special needs students of which she called her children, too. She, with Mrs. Joy Moseley, helped to found the Special Olympic Program for Walton County in the late 60s, attending many games. She retired from the Walton County School System after a dedicated 30 years. She held several offices with the retired Teachers Association locally and as a State Delegate, until no longer able to attend due to her health. She was Methodist by faith, a member of the First Methodist Church of DeFuniak Springs. She did not have any sisters or brothers but two much loved cousins, Rebecca Reynolds Caskie and Jerry Burden Reynolds of Andalusia, Alabama. She cherished her Aunt Dona Willingham and her Aunt Lorena Reynolds, also a teacher. With her husband for 34 years, Delbert Spence, were born six girls: Linda Jean and Joseph Fagerstrom of Pensacola, Florida, Peggy Ruth Norris of DeFuniak Springs, Debra and Paul Pilny of Inverness, Florida, Cheri and Jeff Manis of Madison, Alabama, Robbie and Darrick Lund of DeFuniak Springs, Florida, and Terrie and Bruce Cosson of DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Grandchildren are Delbert Wayne Buck Harrell and wife Cammie, Christopher Spence Hamilton, Chadrick Michael Janes, Aimee Ruth Clifton Billings and husband Kevin, Katina Renee Cantrell and husband Steve, Shelley K Anderson and husband Tony, Chason James Norris and fiance Tiffany Holcomb, John Dillon Lund, Sarah Elizabeth Moran and fiance Reverend John Napoli, III, Cameron Michael Lund, Cody Alan Manis and wife Jennifer, Austin Coy Cosson and wife Tiffany, and Perry Lee Cosson. Additionally, 10 great-grandchildren: Bridgett Harrell, Jessica Hamilton Bass, Meaghan Ruth Martin, Madison Currie Terrell, Nicolas Ross Billings, Garret Lee Lake, Gillian Cantrell, Timothy Cantrell, Ryder Nicholas Anderson and Brody Alexander Norris.
She may be gone from this earth but in the hearts and memories of many left behind. We love you Mama! She was an angel here on earth and now has her wings.
Visitation services will be conducted at 6:00-8:00 PM, Friday, May 9, 2008, at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home Chapel; 230 Park Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 10, 2008, at First United Methodist Church, 88 Circle Drive DeFuniak Springs, with Reverend Rob West officiating. Pallbearers are Delbert Wayne Buck Harrell, Christopher Spence Hamilton, Chadrick Michael Janes, Chason James Norris, John Dillon Lund, Cameron Michael Lund, Cody Alan Manis, Austin Coy Cosson and Perry Lee Cosson. Honorary Pallbearers are granddaughters and grandsons-in-law Aimee Ruth Billings, Katina Renee Cantrell, Shelley Kathleen Anderson, Sarah Elizabeth Moran, Cammie Louise Harrell, Kevin Billings, Steve Cantrell, Tony Anderson, Tiffany Holcomb, Reverend John Napoli, III, Jennifer Manis and Tiffany Lynn Cosson.
Flowers are being accepted and should friends choose donations in memory, please consider: Special Olympics Organizations, Retired Teacher Associations Scholarship Fund and Cameron Lund Scholarship Fund. Burial will follow in the Magnolia Cemetery.
[Source: Clary-Glenn Funeral Home]
[Burial: Magnolia Cemetery, DeFuniak Springs]