Mary Margaret Barkley Spencer, 82

April 4, 1944 – April 10, 2026

A bright and vibrant life lived so well, Mary Margaret Barkley Spencer, age 82, departed this earthly world and entered into her eternal rest in the early morning hours of Friday, April 10, 2026, at Sanctuary Hospice in Tupelo, Mississippi.

A service honoring and celebrating her beautiful life will be held at 5 PM Sunday evening, April 12, 2026, in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at 4 PM. Family and friends will share personal reflections and cherished memories. Burial will follow in Tippah Memorial Gardens, with no graveside service.

Born on April 4, 1944, in Memphis, Tennessee, Mrs. Mary was the daughter of the late William Hines and Edith Jean Romain Barkley. She received her education through the Shelby County Public School System before putting to use her remarkable gift for working with numbers. For over thirty-five years, Mrs. Mary was a familiar and welcoming face to countless families throughout Tippah County, especially during tax season. She excelled in helping others file their taxes and proudly owned and operated Spencer Tax Service until her retirement. On November 22, 1979, she married her beloved husband, Mr. Johnny Spencer, and together they shared nearly forty-seven years of love, laughter, and wonderful memories until his passing in 2025.

A Christian and Southern Baptist lady, Mrs. Mary embodied everything a true Southern lady should be. She was a talented seamstress who found great joy in making clothes, seasonal costumes, and special creations for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her cooking was second to none, and she loved collecting cookbooks of every kind, always searching for the next perfect dish to prepare for her family and friends. When her health allowed, she enjoyed spending time outdoors with her late husband, whether fishing from the pond bank or camping in different places. Those simple moments brought her great happiness.

Mrs. Mary truly was one of a kind. It was often said that the party had not truly begun until Mary Spencer arrived. Bubbly, friendly, fun-loving, and full of life, she had a way of making everyone feel welcomed and loved. Her laughter was contagious, her smile unforgettable, and her presence filled every room with warmth and joy.

While we will miss our beautiful mother, wonderful Mamaw, and dear friend more than words can express, we do not grieve as those with no hope. We find comfort in knowing she has been forever healed, and one day we will all be reunited in Heaven — whole, happy, and together once more.

Those left to carry on her wonderful legacy include her two daughters, Connie Conely (Bart) and Gina Dunnam (Randy); her son, William “Bill” Paul (Wendy); her sister, Judy Ward (Johnny); her seven grandchildren, Katie Clark (Dillon), Morgan Bryan (Brandon), Mindy Mitcham (Brent), Lynn Baker (Austin), Lee Dunnam (Courtney), Justin Paul, and Lindsey Paul; and her twelve great-grandchildren, Lane, Rafe, Kellen, Case, Conleigh Kate, Levi, Noah, Emerson, Ava, Olivia, Josie, and Joseph, along with a wide circle of loving family and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Mary was preceded in death by her brother, Billy Bob Barkley, and her stepson, Richard Eugene Spencer.

Those serving as pallbearers will be her sons-in-law and grandsons.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories and condolences with Mrs. Mary’s family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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Visitation

Sunday
April 12, 2026
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral

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Funeral Service

Sunday
April 12, 2026
5:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral