WEST POINT — Ms. Ethel Mae Spence, 79, of West Point passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at the East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika, Ala. Ms. Spence, the daughter of the late Wilson Spence and the late Savannah Evans, was born February 24, 1938 in Chambers County, Ala.

Ethel was a member of the St. John Community Baptist Church, where she served on the Usher Board. “Ms. Mae,” as she was known by many, received her education in the West Point Public School System. She was employed by the Davidson Family with over 40 years of service.

Ms. Spence  was a charter member of the Soul Social Club. She enjoyed nurturing her plants and flowers. She devoted many hours caring for them making sure they were watered, fertilized and groomed.

Her hobbies included shopping, cooking and watching her favorite “soaps” on television. She was a dedicated, caring and loving mother. She did not shy away from hard work when it came to providing for her children and family.

Ms. Spence was predeceased by her children, Dorothy Tyler, Christine Spence, Walter Spence and Vickie Spence and her siblings, Minnie Borden, Louise McQueen, Otis and Walter L. Brock.

She is survived by her children: Bobby (Nikita) Trammell, Atlanta, Rev. Jerome (Tonya) Spence, Newnan, Ga., John W. Trammell, Robin (David) Webb and Michael Trammell, all of West Point, LaFrederick (Kheri)) Spence, Opelika, and Startesha Spence, LaGrange, Ga.; 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; two aunts, Mary Chambers, Dawson, Ga. and Jessie B. Gates, Five Points, Ala.; nieces, nephews cousins and other family members; special friends and extended families

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. EST on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at the St. John Community Baptist Church, Lanett, with the Rev. Eric Dowdell, Rev. DeWayne Drakeford, Rev. Charles Trammell, Rev. Ronnie Jones and Rev. John Flournoy officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery following the service. The remains will lie in state at the church on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 from 1 p.m. until the funeral hour.

Please visit our website to express online condolences at www: mwleemortuary.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to M.W. Lee Mortuary, West Point.