Betty Gay Richardson Spencer, 94
May 3, 1931 – August 17, 2025
Betty Gay Richardson Spencer, 94, resident of Falkner, MS, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Diversicare in Ripley, MS.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home, with Rev. Ron Mitchell officiating. Visitation will be from 10 AM until time of service on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Falkner Cemetery in Falkner, MS.
Born May 3, 1931, in Tippah County, to the late J.T. and Wardie Peeler Gay, Mrs. Spencer was a Falkner High School Graduate and later married Rev. Arlin Richardson. Together they shared two daughters, Deborah and Penne, and were married for thirty-three years before his passing in 1982.
Mrs. Spencer cherished her role as a pastor’s wife and embraced the responsibilities that came with it. She was a devoted mother, attending every school field trip, ensuring her daughters learned to play piano, encouraging them to sing in church, and involving herself in all their activities. A talented seamstress, she lovingly made all their clothes, and she was also known for her cooking.
A faithful Christian, Mrs. Spencer love the Lord deeply. She taught Sunday School, directed Vacation Bible School, was active in the WMU, and participated in mission work. She opened her home with generosity; welcoming missionaries and pastors in need of a place to stay. Her home was always filled with warmth, love, and hospitality.
She was devoted to her family, and her presence was a steady source of strength and love. Later, she was blessed to marry her second husband, Gene Spencer, with whom she shared thirty-seven years. Through this marriage, she became a stepmother to David Spencer, and together they built a loving blended family. While her family will miss her dearly, they rejoice in knowing they will see her again one day in Heaven.
Mrs. Spencer’s memory will be cherished by her two daughters, Deborah Price and Penne Richardson, both of Falkner, her stepson, David Spencer (Kim) of Collierville, TN, six grandchildren, Robyn McElwain (Todd), John Wilkerson (Laney), Kristin York (Jason), Dave Spencer (Hannah), Dan Spencer (Emily), and Laura Grace Pope (Alex), nine great-grandchildren, Gabe and Grey McElwain, Kolbe McLaughlin (Cole), Ryals and Arly Wilkerson, Stone and Sylas York, and George and Samuel Spencer, and two great-great grandchildren, Rynlee and Callan Mclaughlin.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Rev. Arlin Richardson, her second husband, Gene Spencer, one sister, Jo Parman, and three brothers, John, Bob, and Bill Gay.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Jimmy Cross, Jim Cutberth, Todd McElwain, John Wilkerson, and Ryals Wilkerson.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with the Spencer family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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Visitation
Wednesday
August 20, 2025
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral
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Funeral Service
Wednesday
August 20, 2025
11:00 AM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral
