Catherine Rose Martin Spencer

Gastonia, NC Catherine Rose Martin Spencer was joyously received into her heavenly home on January 6, 2013. Among those to greet her were her Savior, Jesus Christ; her husband, Wilburn "Bud" Spencer; her father and mother, Oscar and Pearl Martin; and her sister, Stella Burrell. Catherine is survived by two devoted daughters, Gloria S. Bartlett and husband, Clifford, and Glenda S. Bartlett. Catherine also leaves behind four grandchildren, who knew her as "Mana." They are Beth B. Hoover and husband, Johnny, of Lake Wylie; Kristi B. Spriggs and husband, Tony, of Fletcher; Christopher G. Bartlett and wife, Gerianne, of Winston Salem; and Nicholas S. Bartlett, of Gastonia. They were blessed to have Mana play a major role in their lives, as were her seven great-grandchildren: Karis, Abby, Nate, and Izzy Hoover, Patrick Bartlett, and J.P. and Margeaux Spriggs. Additionally, Catherine is survived by two beloved sisters: Daisy Justice of Clayton, GA, and Eunice Keener of Highlands, NC, as well as nieces and nephews who hold a special place in her heart. Many friends from across her years at Parkdale Mills, Jenny's Beauty Salon, Danoca Industries, Rauch Industries, and West Franklin Baptist Church will also miss Catherine. The two most important aspects of Catherine's life were her family and serving Jesus Christ. She taught a Sunday School class for over 50 years, served as the WMU Director for 40 years, and set up and directed the church library for 40 years. Catherine also worked tirelessly in the missions program and faithfully supported the missions offerings. Although "notch baby" retirement benefits made retirement a financial challenge, Catherine found a way to share with others, especially various orphanages. Part of the greatest generation, Catherine was fiercely patriotic and made sure to support several veteran support groups. Catherine Spencer's life was marked by selfless giving and an appreciative spirit. Her life was about caring for and loving others. Her passing leaves an immeasurable void. We, who were privileged to know her, look forward to being reunited with her in our life to come. The family will receive visitors at West Franklin Baptist Church on Wednesday from 1:30 pm to 3 pm. A service to celebrate the life of Catherine will follow at 3:00 pm with Rev. Steven Blanton and Rev. Bob Cloninger officiating. Interment will follow the service at Gaston Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Baptist Children's Home in Thomasville, NC or to the St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, MT. Arrangements are with the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium, Gastonia. A guest registry is available at greenefuneral.com