Hattie Lorraine Spence
Hattie Lorraine Spence, 58, beloved wife of 36 years to Arthur Spence, of Niantic, passed away at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital on January 6, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Snow Hill, NC on August 18, 1951 to the late Owen and Hattie Whitfield Taylor. Besides her husband, Hattie leaves her daughters, Leslie Spence of Niantic, Tracey Conyers and her husband David of Grayson, GA, Kristal Spence of Waterford; son, Arthur Allen Spence II of Waterford; grandson, Ryan Conyers of Grayson, GA; brothers, Owen Taylor and wife Juanita, Lewis Taylor, both of New Haven; sister, Tessie Williams of Washington, DC. Hattie grew up in North Carolina before moving to New Haven in 1964. After living in New Haven for several years, Hattie and Arthur moved to Waterford in 1991 to raise their family. She worked for Southern New England Telephone Company as a District Manager from 1973 to 1991. An active member of Tree of Life Christian Fellowship she also taught at their Coastline Christian Academy . Hattie also owned a business for the last 24 years, Cedars of Lebanon, which was a Christian outreach program for youth and adults. She produced and directed numerous Christian Theatrical Productions. For the last 5 years she has been a Para Professional at Clark Lane Middle School in Waterford . She enjoyed a good crossword puzzle, game of scrabble, and reading. Hattie was an avid believer in the Christian Faith, mother to all, and a caring and angelic soul. A Funeral Service will be held at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, on Wednesday, January 13th at 10:00 a.m. followed by a burial at Beaverdale Memorial Park. Friends may visit at the funeral home, on Tuesday evening from 5 to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Hattie's memory may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 538 Preston Ave., Meriden, CT 06450.
.Courageous., .Caring and Angelic Soul.! I can’t think of more appropriate words to describe you. You dealt with this with the most amazing grace. May God Bless you and keep you close Lorraine. With much love and sadness. And my sincerest condolences to your family.
A really good person has been called home and she will certainly be missed by all that knew her. I’d like to extend my deepest sympathies to her family and friends and rejoice in the fact that we had her with us for as long as we did. May GOD bless and keep her beautiful soul.
Allen and Family, I am deeply saddened by your loss. Lorraine was one(1) of the most inspirational people that I have ever met. I know she is in Heaven and I can pray to her.. If there is anything that I can do,please call. Kathie Monaco (203) 269-2700 X162
Dear Art and Spence Family: I send my heartfelt condolences to you for the loss of Lorraine. Her smile was unforgettable and her goodness of spirit immeasurable. Our paths not only crossed at Barnard, but again in New Haven at SNET. I feel blessed to have seen Lorraine so full of life at our reunion in Washington this summer. God has called a truly beautiful soul to be with Him. Lorraine what a life well lived. May God bless you and keep you at this difficult time.
Dear Art and the Spence Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of loss and transition. It was my honor to have shared my college years with Hattie. She added much to the fabric of our community. Sincerely and Respectfully, George L. Van Amson
I am heartbroken over the loss of our dear Hattie. May God sustain Art and all the family in their hour of grieve.
I so vividly recall Hattie’s wonderful smile and sparkling eyes this summer in D.C. What a caring and loving spirit! May her family and friends be strengthened by the memories and love they shared with her.
Lorraine, how fondy I remember your sweet and huge smile, your big laughter and your love of life. You were always a good person who loved life and the people around you unconditionally. You were a friend that I treasured even though the years took us in different directions. I remember how we shared the joy over the birth of our children. Allan and the kids will be in my heart and prayers as I pray for God’s strength to be with them through the days and months ahead. I know you will continue to shine down on them and care for them as you always have. I know that your family celebrates your homecoming and the angels are singing joyously now that you are by their side and have become an angel yourelf. Rest in peace my dear dear friend, I love you, Barbara
My deepest sympathy on the loss of one of our Father’s Angels. Hattie was a beautiful person and we are all blessed for having known her
To the Spence Family: I am still in shock. I did not realize that Lorraine had been ill with cancer. She was such a beautiful lady, both within and on the surface. We shared many years together at Clark Lane as her children were growing up in Waterford. Lorraine always had such a beautiful, warm smile and soft spoken voice. She radiated peace and beauty for all. She shone with her love of God and music. I will forever see her and hear her. She was always so proud of her children, and rightfully so. I know God has a very special place for Lorraine. Always remember that we will all meet together again someday. Lorraine will be there with her warm smile and encouraging words to greet us. With love, Diane (Tosov) Sylvia
Cousin Lorraine was a beautiful, kind and loving soul. She has been and will forever be a very special part of our family. I will miss her beautiful smile and cheerful voice. May she forever be at peace with the Lord. We love you Lorraine!
Dear Spence family, We were tremendously saddened to learn of the death of your dear wife and mother. Our memories of you all are full of song, sunshine, faith and joy as individuals and as a family. We know much of that radiance came from Lorraine. We know how much you will miss her. Several communities will feel her absence. Please know we, too, mourn her loss.
I am so sorry to see Lorraine’s beautiful face and obituary in the paper. She was a kind and joyful neighbor as our families grew up in Waterford. Walks with her were full of grace. Please know that many hearts and prayers are with you in your loss.
To The Spence Family, My deepest condolences to you on the passing of Lorraine. She will be missed so much. I worked for her at SNET as her clerk for a while. She was the best manager to work for. I thank God for the opportunity of knowing her, she made me smile on the worst of days. God Bless all of you.
To the Spence family: Lorraine was a spark of sunshine with her calming demeanor. She will surely be missed by all who knew her…I am sure she is at peace with the Lord
God grants us many blessings during our lifetime. Some more memorable than others. Lorraine, my sis, you are a blessing I will always remember. My life, as I am sure are others, is fuller and clearer because of you. I thank you for your guidance, your listening and .Gods Promises.. May Peace & Love be your constant companions. Art thank you for bringing her into my life. Love eternally, your brother, Bob
I am so blessed to have known Hattie and so saddened to learn of her passing. Her kind, sweet spirit will remain with me and all who were fortunate enough to have known her. Art, my sympathy and prayers are with you and your family.
I am so very sorry to hear of Hattie’s passing. I just saw, hugged, and laughed with her this past July at the DC Reunion. I am stunned. Please know that she will always be remembered and cherished for her beaufitul button eyes, her endless smiles, and her bright aura. We loved that girl.
I last had a chance to talk to Hattie at Columbia-Barnard picnic last year. She looked great!! I will always remember her wonderful smile. My condolences to Arthur, the Spence and Taylor family and all of her friends. We’ll miss you Hattie.
I remember Hattie from Jr. High days and was very sorry to hear she has moved on. No doubt, God has welcomed her home with open arms. A sweet and lovely person, Hattie gave more than she took…the mark of a godly soul. Like most, I picture her radiant smile, which she shared throughout life as a gift of love. She and Art truly shared their lives together. What a blessing…What a woman!!!
I would like to send my condolences to Arthur and the family. Lorraine was a special person, who always carried a sweet and positive spirit. She will truly be missed. May God comfort you all in this difficult time.
im sorry to hear about your loss of your beloved. I did not know hattie spence for a long while but i do remember one day when she sang to my class when i was in 8th grade. it brought me to tears! she was full of joy and gratitude. I respect her and look up to her. She will be remembered as the caring, sweet, joyful person despite her challenge with cancer. she will be in my prayers.
My deepest sympathy to Hattie’s family. She was one of the dearest people I knew… and so very SMART.She made a lot of my school days happier. I know she will be missed down here but God has a wonderful angel now.
Sending condolences from Jhue and Shirley Pridgen of LaGrange,NC….Sorry we could not be there. We all love your mother as we know she loved all her family. She will be missed. Love you: Jhue, Shirley,Ricky,Chris, Mike and Sand.
Sending condolences from your late cousin Dalton Allen Family of the Jason Community. Sorry we are unable to be there. We are praying for you. We all loved your mother. Even though we didn’t see her that often she will be missed in our hearts. God bless & we love you: Louise, Larry, Brenda, Jackie, Donna, Steve and Desmond
To the Spence Family: My thoughts and prayers will be with you each of you during your bereavement of such a lovely person. I grow up with your Lorraine in Jason, North Carolina. We were the best of friends. I called her went she was going through and she really held onto her faith. I can truly say, that she was a person with a beautiful spirit. She always had that beautiful smile and uplifting voice. She fought a good fight. God Bless each of you and hold onto God’s unchanging hand. Farewell to my girlfriend, Hattie Lorraine. Rest upon his bosom
Brother Art and the Spence Family: Words can not express the emotions felt by a family bearing the loss of a beloved wife and mother. My very deepest sympathies to you all. Lorraine was a sweet soul, the type of person we should all be blessed to meet in our lifetimes. I will have fond memories of her and consider it my good fortune to have had the opportunity to be in her presence at our reunion this summer. My continued thoughts and prayers to the family.
Dear Spence family My sincere condolences on the loss of Hattie. We were so privileged to spend time together at our reunion this summer. I will always remember her joy and leadership at our end of reunion worship service. She will be missed.
Dear Spence Family, Our hearts are broken knowing that Lorraine has passed away. Her kindness, beautiful smile, wit and generosity will be missed by all who knew her. She was an extraordinary neighbor and friend. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathy, The Grandjeans
Lorraine was a loving, sweet, and caring person whose family meant a lot to her. Her humble sweet spirit will be missed by her family and friends. She is now at peace with the Lord and in a better place. Even though we can not be there you will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. Love you: James (Bud), Martha, Greta, Rhonda, Jasmine, & Jaylen The Joyner Family LaGrange, NC January 12, 2010
Lorraine was a rare gem.Her love of Christ, family and friends will always be remembered. The absence of her smile,laughter & love will be a permanent void in our family. Please know that all your NC family loves you and will continue to lift you through prayers.
My deepest sympathies to the family.
Our Thoughts and Prayer’s are with you,Sorry we could not be thier,She is at peace,and I know as soon as she saw my daddy she said Come on Roland jr, let’s SING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TO ALLEN AND FAMILY I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSE LORRAINE WAS A NICE AND LOVING PERSON TO ALL THAT KNEW HER AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY LOVE:(PAMELA & CHUBBY) WE LOVE
To Art,Leslie,Kristal,Art Jr.and Tracey and family. We are so sorry for your lost. We will miss Lorraine. You have the comfort to know that she is with Jesus. Having a glorious time. We will miss her much. Our prayers and Love are with you.
To The Spence Family, we are so saddened to hear of your loss. Our dear cousin Rain will be missed by all. She was one who could always lift your spirits, no matter what you were going through. She had love for everyone and never met a stranger, a trait she inherited from her mother ( Aunt Hattie). We love you much, Cousin Mamie, Nathaniel and Natalie
Dear Art & Family: We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Lorraine. Oh my God what a shock. You have our Deepest Sympathy. We are wishing you Peace and Comfort through out this New Year, and years to come. May God continue to Bless you and your family. Love Rosa, Moody & Family.
Dear Art and family, My sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of Lorraine. Her bright smile, loving and caring spirit will be deeply missed. God truly has an angel.
To Lorraine’s family-Please accept my condolences for the loss of Lorraine; my thoughts and prayers are with you in this moment of sorrow. I consider it among my greatest privileges that Lorraine’s path crossed with mine a number of years ago at Springfield College. Her spirit and talent were inspiring.
Allen and familiy,TO GOD BE THE GLORY! GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE…needless to say I was and still remain devastated to get the report of Lorraine’s transition from labor to reward,as was the rest of the family. My children consider all of you guys family their God -parents. Rain had an unwavering faith that we all need to relish, she’s been running for Jesus a Loooong time. Please reach out to me my new nbrs are h/203-383-2722/ c-203) 339-1846.. Luv always Grace and Peace; Jacki(Bill),Jasmine,Candise,and entire family..
Dear Leslie, Tracey, Kristal and Arthur, Please accept my belated condolence on the passing of your mom… Lorraine was a wonderful and talented lady and her character, based in .faith., shined through in her every word and action… I remember all of you well in the many good years we shared in music together at CLMS… My prayers and thoughts are with you always… If I can be of any help at all, do not hesitate to call upon me to aid you… My cell is 401-932-8990… God Bless you at this time of loss and may He guide you to strength and togetherness.. Love Frank Procaccini (CLMS – Band)
Dear Arthur, I was just trying to find Hattie (I know, Lorraine, she would always scold me for still calling her Hattie (:0) ) on Facebook. The last time we spoke I think was the day Obama was elected president. She said she was dancing around the kitchen. I loved her sooo much, I have a doll holding picked cotton in my living room in honor of her. She always told me the stories of she and her grandma picking cotton in SC and I remember the dish with raw cotton on your coffee table. We were both inner city girls that no one could keep down. Please know that she will always be in my heart and that my memories are filled with her. If you want to, e mail me. I would love to talk to you. XO, TREE
God grants us many blessings during our lifetime. Some more memorable than others. Lorraine, my sis, you are a blessing I will always remember. My life, as I am sure are others, is fuller and clearer because of you. I thank you for your guidance, your listening and .Gods Promises.. May Peace & Love be your constant companions. Art thank you for bringing her into my life. Love eternally, your brother, Bob