Margaret Howard Spencer

Margaret Howard Spencer, 87, passed away on March 15, 2016 at her home.

She was born September 16, 1928 in Little Switzer, SC, the daughter of the late George Bruce and Georgia Self Howard.

She was married for 38 years to Sheldon W. Spencer and is survived by her daughters Shelda Spencer Rees and "favorite son-in-law", Joe M. Rees of Chattanooga, TN and Melinda Spencer of Irmo, SC; brother Troy Howard of Greenville, NC; sister Eloise Murphy of Stanley, NC; sister-in-law Helen Spencer Foy and brother-in-law Bud Nosil of Savannah, GA.  She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews.

Margaret was one of 9 children and was preceded in death by her brothers Roy Howard, Varner Howard; sisters Helen Howard, Ruby Carpenter, Buford Haithcock and Vergie Nosil.  A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, March 19 at Pisgah ARP Church, 3600 Linwood Rd., Gastonia, NC officiated by Rev. Rick Lewis, where Margaret has been a member for 64 years.

The family will receive friends from 4 – 6 pm Saturday in the church fellowship hall.

A private Interment will be held at Gaston Memorial Park.

Margaret graduated from Stanley High School and worked in the payroll department at the Loray Mill/Firestone. For over 60 years, she has been a member of the Lucile Tatum Home Extension Club where she went on to hold every local office and was elected as state President of the NC Extension Clubs.

As a dedicated homemaker in the early 60's she was asked to showcase her talents on several episodes of the Betty Freezor Show on WBTV-Ch. 3.

In 1965 she began her retail career at Matthews Belk Dept. Store downtown.

She later helped open the Dixie Village Belk store as a department manager and opened the East Ridge Belk store as a buyer.

For 30 years she served her customers and was an award winning sales associate and employee.

Margaret was passionate about her sewing and quilt-making winning awards at the local, district and state level.  She loved to travel and was a group leader/escort for many group trips to Branson, Myrtle Beach, Memphis, Chicago, New Orleans, Chattanooga and others.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gaston ECA Student Scholarship Fund, c/o Lucile Tatum Club, 959 Osceola Street, Gastonia, 28054 or to the Pisgah Bonclarken Fund, c/o Pisgah ARP Church, 3600 Linwood Rd., Gastonia, NC 28052.

The family is being served by Greene Funeral Service, South Chapel.