Verna Elaine Spence Clancy, of Jena, Louisiana, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2023.
Verna was born November 13, 1942, to James L. Spence and Willie Louise Spence (later Barrett) in Alexandria, Louisiana.
In the years of her childhood and youth, Verna spent her summers in LeCompte, Louisiana, with her grandmother Alma Spence and her grandfather Dr. William Spence, after losing her father, who was serving in the Merchant Marine during WWII.
Verna graduated from Jena High School and had the honor of serving as homecoming queen for the class of 1960. After graduating from high school, she attended Louisiana College, graduating in 1964 with a Degree in Elementary Education.
After graduation, Verna started her career as an educator, teaching elementary school for many years, touching many lives. In the summer of 1968, Verna married George “Corky” Clancy. George and Verna had two sons, George and James Clancy.
While raising her family, Verna was a member of the First Baptist Church of Jena, where she taught Vacation Bible School and Sunday School for many years.
After 23 years, Verna retired early from the education system so she could spend more time with her family. In the early years of her retirement, Verna enjoyed visiting with her beloved grandmother, Olivia Wilson, until her passing. Verna also loved spending time in her garden, with her cats and soon enough, with the four beloved grandchildren she was blessed with.
Verna is preceded in death by her father James L. Spence, her mother Willie Barrett and her brother Richard Barrett.
Verna is survived by her husband George “Corky” Clancy, Jr., her son George Clancy III and wife Erika, her son James Clancy and wife Sarah and her four grandchildren, Ryan, Drew, Ella and Susan Grace. Verna is also survived by her siblings, Judy Baker, Glynn Ellen King and Johnny Barrett. Of special note, she is survived by her uncle, Sherman “Bo” Wilson, who was always more of a big brother to her than an uncle.
Verna would also want it known how much she loved her friends who brightened her spirit during her early life and her later years. Of special note are Virgie Wilson (deceased), JoAnn Stevens and Margaret Gray.
Arrangements will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at Pineville Park Baptist Church in Pineville, Louisiana. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 2:00 PM with services starting at 2:00. Interment will follow at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery in Pineville, Louisiana.
Pallbearers will be Drew Clancy, Ryan Clancy, Kevin Wilson, Bernard Kendrick, Jamie Ogden and Sherman “Little Bo” Wilson.
Honorary pallbearers will be Ella Clancy, Susan Grace Clancy, Scott Morgan, Lola Berry, Crystal Cripps, Phyllis Lee, Linda Garrett and Cheire Sharp.
