Sophia E. Spencer

Sophia E. Spencer, 92, of 1056 S. Morgan St., Meadville, died Friday, April 1, 2005 at Meadville Medical Center.

She was born in Meadville June 8, 1912, a daughter of the late William and Anna Bittler Duerr.  She married Albert Spencer December 30, 1934 and he preceded her in death August 20, 2000.

She was a graduate of Meadville High School and a graduate of Edinboro State Teachers College with a Bachelor’s degree in education.  She was a first grade teacher in the Crawford Central School District for many years, retiring in 1977 and she was also a homemaker.  She was a member of the Meadville Business and Professional Women where she was honored as Woman of the year in 1989, Meadville Women’s Club, Philo-Mathesian Club, Meadville Literary Club, and Meadville Beautification Committee.  She was the recipient of the YWCA Tribute to Women volunteer of the year award in 1994 and the Community Council Award for Excellence in 1995.  She was a former volunteer at the Center for Family Services.

She was a member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ and its Women’s fellowship.

Survivors include two daughters, Marguerite L. Spencer of Davis, CA and Dorothy K. Betts and her husband William of Meadville; two sons, A. Lawrence Spencer and his wife Layne of Meadville and William H. Spencer and his wife Angelita of Houston, TX; two sisters, Catherine Duerr and Marguerite Duerr, both of Meadville; 9 grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 5 step-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son; a granddaughter, Erin April Spencer; a brother, Frank P. Duerr; and a sister, Gertrude Money.

Calling hours are today (Sunday) from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville.

A funeral service will be Monday at 1:00 p.m. at Emmanuel United Church of Christ, 30 N. Park Ave., Meadville with the Rev. Dr. Timothy Solomon, Pastor officiating.

Interment will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Emmanuel United Church of Christ, 30 N. Park Ave., Meadville, PA 16335 or the Center for Family Services, 213 Center St., Meadville, PA 16335.