Grace Nichols Spence

Grace Nichols Spence, 92, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 4, 2010, after a long battle with Alzheimer?s Disease. She was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick Henry Nichols and Grace Avery Nichols, her husband, Millard Walker Spence, and six siblings: Wilbur Lee Nichols, Forest Cooper Nichols, Myra Nichols Tippett, Helene Nichols, Alice Barham Aenchbacher, and Annie Mary Stroud. She is survived by a brother, Robert F. Nichols and wife, Rita, of Portsmouth, four children, M. Walker Spence, Jr. and wife, Delores, of Duck, NC, Roger William Spence and wife, Sandra, of Richmond, Jeannette Spence Hollowell and husband, Raymond, of Chesapeake, Margaret Anne Tripold and husband, David, of Colts Neck, NJ, seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. A life-long resident of Portsmouth, she was a member of Jackson Memorial Baptist Church for over seventy years and was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star for many years. She attended Woodrow Wilson High School and Mary Washington College before embarking on a long and successful career as a loving wife and wonderful mother. She took great pleasure in the accomplishments of her children, was a steadfast and hardworking volunteer at her church, and was at her best when giving her time and support to others. She touched many in her long life and will always be remembered for her positive attitude and infectious smile. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Mayfair House, Heartland Hospice, and to Dr. Kevin Wilson and Geraldine Glivens, who went to extraordinary lengths at all hours to care for Grace during the last years of her life. The family will receive friends at Loving Funeral Home, 3225 Academy Avenue, Portsmouth, from 1 to 2 p.m. on Monday, March 8th, funeral services to follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, Suffolk, following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jackson Memorial Building Fund, 4316 Bruce Road, Chesapeake, 23321, or to the Alzheimer?s Association - Southeast Chapter, 6350 Center Drive, Suite 102, Norfolk, 23502.