Joyce E. Spencer
September 3, 1951 – November 2, 2018
Joyce E. Spencer, beloved wife, selfless and giving mother, gracious grandmother, adoring great-grandmother and loyal friend was welcomed into God’s arms on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. After her ongoing 40-year fight battling complications with cancer, the good Lord decided it was time to call Joyce to join him in heaven.
Joyce was a devoted and supportive wife of 49 years, who married the love of her life David Jesse Spencer on Dec. 23, 1969 in Troy, Idaho. Together, they raised two amazing children. She is survived by her loving husband David; her mother Lois Ackaret; son David John Spencer and his wife Sabrina; daughter Cassandra Van Steyn (Spencer) and her husband Peter; sister Debbie Dodd (Ackaret) and her husband Fred and brother Jerry Ackaret and his wife Judith. She was blessed with being a loving grandmother and great-grandmother to grandson Bradley Spencer and his wife Shanowa, granddaughter Justina Blackman (Spencer) and her husband Shane, and two beautiful great grandchildren Brayden Spencer and Hayden Blackman.
From her birth in Spokane, Wash., on Sept. 3, 1951, daughter of Donald and Lois (Syrie) Ackaret, she nourished those around her with love, compassion, faith, friendship and her gift of singing. Joyce’s angelic voice was a gift from our Lord and was inspired by her faith; her gift of song will be forever remembered and celebrated.
Joyce was truly blessed in both her spiritual and personal life. Her drive to help others reinforced her desire to seek a career in the medical profession where she went on to become a Licensed Practicing Nurse, Registered Nurse and Area Manager for the Confluence Healthcare System, as well as, together with her husband, becoming successful business owners.
As a woman of faith and the heart of the Spencer family, Joyce shaped their spirituality by her tireless Christian example. She was truly a beloved servant of God and a faithful member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Moses Lake, where she assisted with women’s ministries and Bible studies, and led Sunday morning music service. The church was her family and witness to her love and faith in our Lord and Savior.
Possessing a true servant’s heart, Joyce faithfully cared for family and friends through her talent for cooking, baking, sewing and quilting. She was happiest when reading, praying, traveling, sewing, quilting and spending time with friends and family. For those whose lives have been touched by Joyce’s selfless and compassionate approach to life, it is understood that faith, God, family, and friends were at the core of her beliefs.
Joyce’s strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family and friends carried her through the last several years. In Joyce’s passing, we now celebrate her life. We are all blessed to have been a part of her life, and to have the assurances that we will one day meet again.
A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene, 422 S. Balsam St., Moses Lake, Wash., with a luncheon to celebrate Joyce’s life to be held immediately following the service; the Spencer Family invites all to attend.
Donations may be made in her name to the First Church of the Nazarene, P.O. Box 1112, Moses Lake, WA 98837 Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory.