Melinda Kay Spencer

Melinda Kay Spencer, 66, of Irmo SC passed away on December 29, 2020 after a brief illness at Lexington Medical Center, Columbia SC.

Melinda was born in Gastonia NC and was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret Howard Spencer and Sheldon Whitesides Spencer.

She is survived by her sister, Shelda Spencer Rees; and brother-in-law, Joe of Chattanooga TN.

Melinda was a public-school music teacher in Charleston and Bishopville SC for 40 years and had just retired in June 2020. She loved teaching and especially working with her gifted and talented students and her choral music groups. She graduated from Hunter Huss High School, Gastonia, NC, Converse College, Spartanburg SC, and received her master's degree in Music Therapy at the University of Georgia, Athens. She earned her National Teacher Certificate in 2005 while battling breast cancer and was teacher of the year twice in the Lee County School District. Melinda stayed busy and enjoyed working at the SC State Museum as summer education program director for 25 years as well as volunteering at the Riverbanks Zoo. She was a founding member of The Herb Bunch as well as its President. She was also a part-time artist for the Wine and Design Studio, Columbia SC. She loved teaching others to paint and especially enjoyed doing children's birthday parties, pet portraits and girlfriend get-together 's. But her greatest joy was spending time with her sweet border collie Miss Molly.  Melinda will be missed by her many friends and family members.

A Graveside Memorial Service was conducted by Crystal Howard Morrison at Pisgah ARP Church Cemetery, Gastonia. NC on January 9, 2021.

Due to her love of kids, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities - 200 Central Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403 or www.rmhchattanooga.com

Arrangements are with the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium, Gastonia.

Condolences may be made online at www.greenefuneral.com