Patricia Ann Spencer

Patricia Ann Spencer, 88, of Alma, went to be with Jesus and was reunited with her beloved husband Hugh, on Monday, August 18, 2025. Pat was born in Sapulpa, Oklahoma on July 15, 1937 to Byron and Connie McDuffie, the second of three children. Pat graduated from Alma High School in 1955. She met the love of her life, Hugh, and the two were married in 1958. In 1959, Pat became a mother, welcoming her daughter Cindy, and in 1963, her son, Nick. Enjoying and caring for her family was one of her greatest loves.

Growing up, Pat was a self-proclaimed tomboy, keeping up with her brothers, and when necessary, keeping them in line. In high school, Pat was a cheerleader. She also played softball and was a member of a bowling team as a young adult. Pat enjoyed rooting for the Airedales and the Razorbacks, and was quite a spitfire when voicing support for her teams.

Pat believed in hard work and helping others. As a young couple, Pat and Hugh served in local churches, leading worship together as Pat would play the piano and sing along with Hugh. Pat also worked many years at Trane where she built lifelong friendships.

Her greatest joys in life were her faith, family, and friends. Pat was a devoted follower of Christ, leaving behind a legacy of faith. She often spoke of the hope of heaven, looking forward to seeing Jesus and being with her beloved Hugh, once again. She was quick to point out God’s beauty in nature and enjoyed traveling much of the United States. Pat was a good friend and welcomed others with her warmth and hospitality. She had the most contagious laugh and was recently awarded “Most Enchanting Smile” at the Alma Health and Rehab beauty pageant. Pat was a fierce supporter and lover of her family, encouraging them to live for Jesus, love others, be brave, and enjoy each other.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Byron and Connie McDuffie, her brothers, Jim and John McDuffie, and her husband of 64 years, Hugh Spencer.

She is survived by a daughter, Cindy (Jerry) Valentine; a son, Nick (Susie) Spencer; granddaughters, Cheska (Brett) Neal, and Carleigh (Joel) Tapp; grandsons Cade (Ashley) Spencer, and Cole Spencer; great-grandchildren, Hanna, Crosby, Isaac, Willa; brother-in-law, Bruce (Barbara) Spencer, many nieces and nephews, and her beloved maltese, Millie Mae.

Known as Pat, Fiesty, Mother, and Memaw, she was many things to many people. We will continue to celebrate her as we live and love what she loved: her pets, her people, her God, and her coffee.

Her celebration of life will be on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home at 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, Arkansas. Interment to follow at the Fort Smith National Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Nick Spencer, Jerry Valentine, Joel Tapp, Brett Neal, Cole Spencer, and Robert Wight.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home.

Special thanks to Alma Nursing and Rehab who took great care of Pat and helped her feel at home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 759, Alma, Arkansas 72921.