Bertha Jane Spencer,

Bertha Jane Spencer, age 86, of Taylorsville ( and formerly of Charlotte) passed away Monday, January 21, 2013 in her home after a lengthy illness.  She was born to the late Robert Oscar and Lovie Mae (Harris) Bass in Birmingham, AL, and retired after 30 years service from The Charlotte Observer. Ms. Spencer was a member of East Taylorsville Baptist Church  and she enjoyed traveling with her church friends. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Joseph H. Spencer, Sr.; and one brother - Robert Oscar Bass, Jr. Those remaining to cherish her memories are two sons - Joseph H. Spencer, Jr. and wife Kathy of Charlotte; and Robert E. Spencer of Asheville, NC. and three daughters - Mary Dunagan and husband Fred of Oakboro, NC; Betty Deans and husband Melvin of Johnston, SC; and Shirley Lambert and husband Jimmy of Hiddenite, NC.  Three sisters - Amy Sumner of Birmingham, AL; Betty Thurstone and Becky Pickle of Huntsville, AL.  She also leaves behind nine grandchildren - Amy Shook and husband Andy;  Jimmy Lambert, Jr. and wife Tracy; Ronald, Terry, and Rodney Dunagan, Lisa Whitley, Debbie Aburto, William Dunagan, and Mary Jane Corriveaw. Great-grandchildren  include Brayden and Logan Shook, Thomas and Jacob Lambert, Rodney and Michael Dunagan, Mark Helms, Spencer Dunagan, Elliott and Aleana Aburto.
The family of Ms. Spencer will receive friends this Thursday evening, January 24 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm with the Funeral Service to begin at 7:30 pm at East Taylorsville Baptist Church with Rev. Jamie Steel  officiating. Burial will be held on Friday, January 25, 2013, 1:00 pm at Forest Lawn West Cemetery in Charlotte with Pastor Brian Taule of Calvary Baptist Church officiating at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to East Taylorsville Baptist Church Building Fund @ 644 1st Ave. Dr. SE, Taylorsville, 28681 or American Cancer Society @ 1901 Brunswick Ave, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC  28207 or Hospice and HomeCare of Alexander County @ 50 Lucy Echerd Lane, Taylorsville,  28681 or Alzheimer's Association @ 3 Louisiana Ave, Asheville,  NC  28806.