In the early hours of March 16, 2025, Karen Denise VanHoy Spencer, age 64, of Mouth of Wilson, VA passed from death to eternal life at her home while surrounded by her loving husband and family.  Karen was born in Trenton, NJ on June 6, 1960, to Robert R. and Lilly Campbell VanHoy.  She graduated from Independence High School in 1978 and was married to Johnny Spencer on June 18, 1978.  Karen loved being at her home providing for her family.  She was a master gardener and excelled at canning and preserving her harvest.  She loved animals and her home was a haven for stray cats.  She loved pug dogs, and her life was greatly enriched with her "Pugsy, Gracie and George," all who preceded her in death.  She grew up attending the Grassy Creek Baptist Church and later joined the Mt. Jefferson Baptist Church.   Her faith was of paramount importance to her and greatly sustained and comforted her throughout her sickness.  She delighted in being a wife and mother and was an especially proud grandmother of her only grandson, Joseph.  While her family, community, and friends are deeply saddened at her passing, her unyielding faith offers the great comfort that she has realized the joys of Heaven.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Johnny Spencer of the home; one daughter, Melissa Weaver of Jefferson, NC; one son John Patrick and Linsey Spencer of Henderson, NC, one grandson, Joseph Weaver, of Jefferson, NC; father, Robert R. VanHoy of Jefferson, NC; two brothers, Michael and Julie VanHoy of Delaware, D. David and Michelle VanHoy of Jefferson, NC; two sisters, Linda VanHoy of Independence, VA, and Carol and Corkey Sheets of Marion, VA; sister-in-law, Ashley VanHoy of Jefferson, NC; several  aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews also survive.    In addition to her mother, Karen was preceded in death by one brother, Julian Russell "Rusty" VanHoy.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Grassy Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Keith Casey officiating.  There will be no public visitation.  Burial will follow in the Grassy Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Grassy Creek Cemetery C/O Jackie Wagg 1549 Jefferson Highway Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363 or Wythe Hospice of SW Virginia 705 E. Main Street Suite B, Wytheville, VA 24382.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Spencer family.