Karen Denise Spencer

Karen Denise Spencer, 68, of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away peacefully at her home on January, 14, 2025. She was born on January 10, 1957 in Owensboro, Kentucky to Cordell and Billie Day. Denise was a 1975 graduate of Owensboro High School and received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Murray State University in 1979. 

 

Denise worked in a variety of nursing roles before entering full-time ministry in 1992, heeding the call to go to Oneida Baptist Institute in Oneida, Kentucky. She worked as a counselor for several years before taking on her primary role as Director of Publications. Denise also established the Creative Ministries program, channeling her talent and passion for theatre into writing countless skits, plays, and other scripts as part of her total ministry. She was the true embodiment of a servant, stepping up in any way OBI needed her and wearing many hats throughout her 31 years of service. 

 

Denise was a woman of deep Christian faith, pointing others to Christ through her sweet and gentle spirit. She was an exemplary woman of prayer and Bible study. Denise found her spiritual home and community at St. Ann’s Catholic Mission in Manchester, Kentucky. Between St. Ann’s and OBI, Denise brought the love of Christ into the lives of all her friends and neighbors. 

 

Denise was a lover of music, playing the piano and mountain dulcimer and composing pieces of her own. She was an avid reader and creative spirit, often uplifting others with her homemade cards and comics. She enjoyed a good game of Mahjong with friends. Above all, Denise loved her children and grandchildren. She was a thoughtful and present Grandmere who truly made the most of every moment with those she loved. She will forever inspire us as the embodiment of total love and commitment to marriage, family, and faith.

 

Denise was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years, Michael Spencer, and her father Cordell Day. She is survived by her husband, John Newton, of Alexandria, Virginia; her daughter Noel Cordle (Ryan) of Lafayette, Ohio; son, Clayton Spencer, of Columbus, Ohio; three grandchildren: Silas, Clementine, and Magdalen Cordle of Lafayette, Ohio; mother Billie Day, sister Tracy Day, niece Corey Baughn, nephew Adam Kirtley, all of Owensboro, Kentucky. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ann's Catholic Mission in Manchester, Kentucky on January 24, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. at the church prior to the service. 

 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Heartland Hospice Fairfax and AJ's Home Care Services for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Oneida Baptist Institute P.O. Box 67 Oneida, KY 40972