Leslie Murray Spencer

Leslie Murray Spencer, a beacon of compassion and service, died Friday, July 12, 2024. Leslie was born August 3, 1955 in Aberdeen, North Carolina, to Donald and Caroline Murray. She was raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and from a young age became actively involved in her church community. Leslie’s passion for her faith and her church profoundly shaped her life and instilled in her an inherent empathy and a lifelong commitment to serving others. Her faith led her to her cherished First Presbyterian Church in Wilson, North Carolina, where she served as an Elder and teacher for her beloved Dudley Sunday School class. 

Leslie married Thomas Melvin Spencer, III within a year of meeting him, and they remained married for the next forty years. The addition of their children, Caroline and Tom Tom, formed the foundation of the spirited Spencer family. She became known as “Happy” to her beloved grandchildren and all who knew her during this joyous season of her life. 

During her decades of professional service, Leslie focused on serving others. Her first job was at a staffing agency, where she supported those seeking to support themselves. Her career took her to BB&T in Wilson, North Carolina, where her exceptional talent and skills propelled her into leadership roles. Leslie eventually found her true calling to serve when she became the director of development at the Wesley Shelter, a refuge for abused women and their children. 

 In 2000, she joined Vidant Medical in Greenville, North Carolina, where she became Administrator of Patient Experience. Following the example of her own father’s extended hospital stay, Leslie applied her deep compassion to improve patient and family care. She left Vidant in 2018 to work closer to home at Nash General Hospital, and in 2022 she transitioned to full-time volunteer work. 

 Leslie Murray Spencer's life has been a testament to the power of compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to those in need. Her legacy of joy, love, and service continues to inspire all who have been touched by her indomitable spirit.

 Leslie is survived by her husband, Thomas M. Spencer, III of the home; daughter, Caroline Spencer Sparks and husband, Matthew of Raleigh; son, Thomas M. Spencer, IV and wife, Frances of Morehead City; grandsons Jack Thomas Spencer and Marsh Lawson Spencer; granddaughter, Dorothy Barksdale Sparks; sisters, Dona Murray Goforth and husband, Roy of Clover, South Carolina, and Evelyn Ison of Fayetteville, sister-in-law, Barksdale Spencer Thompson and husband, Philip of Wilson; her 8 beloved nieces, Holly Barkley Thornton, Sally Lawson Thompson, Sarah Thompson Ihnat, Caitlin Goforth Long, Barksdale Thompson Matkins, Abigail Goforth Dye, Mary-Madison Goforth Robbins, and Kennedy O’Neil Goforth; and nephew, David Barkley; and chosen family, Rebecca Shaw Richling of Fayetteville, Mary Piggott of Wilson, Tony Pender of Wilson, Sy Davis of Elizabeth City, Nora and Chris Williford of Wilson, and their children Sydney, Griffin, and Seth, and Sis Thompson, Rhonda and Barnes Thompson. 

 A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 1, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church, 414 Sunset Road NW, Wilson, North Carolina. The Reverend Nick Demuynck and the Reverend Claire Colcord will officiate. Following the service a reception will be held in Clark Hall for family and friends at First Presbyterian Church, Wilson. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Leslie’s memory to First Presbyterian Church, General Fund, PO Box 3184, Wilson, North Carolina 27895.

 Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net