Lena Elizabeth Spence

Lena Elizabeth Spence was born July 3, 1931 to Edna McCarley Spence and Morgan Spence of Buffalo, Alabama. She was the third of six children born to this dairy farming family.

Lena received a BS degree in Education from Auburn University and an MS degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Central Florida. She taught elementary school children in Brevard Co., Florida and in Chambers Co., Alabama until retirement. At the age of 50 she returned to the family farm to raise beef cattle and to care for her elderly mother and Aunt Sula.

Her adventurous spirit led her to get a pilot’s license, explore India and the Amazon River in Peru, tent camp throughout the southeast US, and visit friends all across her beloved United States. She was devoted to her family and friends, her country and her Auburn Tigers.

Lena was pre-deceased by two brothers, John Morgan and Jimmy Spence; and by two sisters, Mary Hughes and Jean Nunn. She is survived by one sister, Sara Lee Slagle. She leaves her life partner of 60 years, Jean Cawelti, and many nieces, nephews and friends with fond memories.

Lena died on April 12, 2026. She will be buried with other family members beside the Lebanon Presbyterian Church at Buffalo, Alabama.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lena Elizabeth Spence, please visit our floral store.