Joann L. (Mcmullen) "Jo" Spencer

Joann L. (McMullen) "Jo" Spencer of Battle Creek, MI


Jo, age 84, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, June 4, 2016 at Bronson @ Home Hospice Residence, Battle Creek.

She was born on October 14, 1931, Bay City, MI to Walter J. and Kathleen (McGrath) McMullen. Her childhood years were spent in Bay City where she graduated from Bay City Central High School in 1949 and moved to this area in 1954.

Jo married Robert L. Spencer, September 13, 1952. Their marriage stood the test of time lasting 47 wonderful years until Bob passed away unexpectedly on August 30, 2000. She is survived by her only son, Robert R. "Bob" Spencer of Battle Creek, sisters-in-laws, Rosemary McMullen of Naples, FL and Donna Spencer of Traverse City, MI and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by: her parents; sisters Dorothy Klepser and Maureen McDowell; brothers Walter J. and Tom McMullen; father and mother-in-law Robert M. and Maree Spencer; brothers-in-law William Klepser, Q.J. "Mac" McDowell, Keith andHugh Spencer; sisters-in-law, Martha McMullen, Jean Spencer, and Barbara Sublett;nephew Tom Scott McMullen; and niece Julie Spencer Krueger.

Jo was employed by Consumers Power Company from 1949 to 1955, then nurtured her husband and son as a dedicated housewife for the next 20 years. In the mid-1970's, Jo decided to go back to work part-time for Memorial Park Cemetery and Allen Harmon Insurance Agency in Battle Creek.

Jo had been a member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church since 1962 and active in Chancel Choir, Food Pantry, and the Missions Commission. She was also a member of the "Kilowatt Kreekers", a local group of Consumers Power retirees. Jo enjoyed sewing, basket weaving, bicycling, working in her yard, and reading. She also enjoyed spending time with her son and his Siberian Huskies.

The Funeral Service to celebrate Jo's life will be held on Thursday, June 9th at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 157 Chapel Hill Drive, Battle Creek, 49015, with Rev. Chad M. Parmalee, Pastor; Rev. David L. Morton, Associate Pastor and Rev. Dr. James M. Gysel, officiating. Family and friends will continue Jo's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon immediately following the Service in the Church Social Hall. Interment will be at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday at Alaska Cemetery, Caledonia Township, MI, next to her beloved husband, Bob. Jo's family will greet friends on Wednesday, June 8th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek. Memorial contributions in Jo's honor may be directed to the Chapel Hill UMC; the Humane Society of South Central Michigan, 2500 Watkins Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015 or the Lakeview Site Food Pantry.