Helen Spencer

aligncenterHelen Day Spencer

aligncenterLoving mother and wife

Helen was born in Matador, Texas on May 19, 1917 to Elbert EA and Minnie Ella Day. She and her twin sister, Hazel King were later additions to a large extended family of ten half brothers and sisters. EA took Minnie and the twin girls to Curry County in 1920. EA Day homesteaded just north of Clovis and built the family farm. He was a much-respected farmer, businessman and friend to many in the community. Helen obtained her wonderful attributes from her parentsEAs honesty, sense of ethics, integrity and western strength; Minnies love and sense of humor she once hid in the backseat of the Ford Model T while Helen and Hazel drug Main Street. Helen grew up during the depression surrounded by family and many lifelong friends.

Helen graduated in 1939 from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, with a double major in Home Economics and Science. This was a very impressive accomplishment for a woman in that era. As a member of the Cowgirls, Helen cut quite the figure, marching in front of the Cowboy Band in the purple gabardine skirt, gold satin blouse, and brown cowgirl boots and hat.

After college, Helen moved back to Clovis and began to make her mark on the community. She was active in the USO as a Liberty Lassie and went to work for the Clovis Credit Bureau. This is where she met the love of her life, Bob Spencer. Helen often recounted her memory of this dashing young man from Waxahachie, Texas, who walked into the bureau and swept her off her feet. They courted and then married in August 1943. By this time, Bob was a lieutenant in the Navy and had many ports of call along the U.S. coasts. Helen, being a woman of action, traveled east and west with baby Jim Bob in tow just to be with Bob.

After the war years, Helen and Bob settled on the Day family farm to rear their children, Jim Bob, Phil and Lisa. In 1958, they moved into town to their wonderful home on Axtell Street. Helen was the consummate homemaker and devoted every fiber in her body to her home and family. Whether Bob was Circulation Manager at the Clovis News Journal, or attempting a now forgettable foray into farming or serving as Manager of the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, Helen was at his side as friend and councilor.

After passage of her lifelong love, Bob, in 1982 and her dear twin, Hazel, in 1989, Helen devoted the rest of her life to her three grown children, their families, and to her lifelong friends. By showing grace, poise and elegance, Helen always taught by example. She exuded love, tolerance, patience, and integrity. However, she never forgot the importance of laughter and humor. Her strength enabled her to manage the Axtell home and the family farm well into her 80s.

Helen loved God and her church. At the First Presbyterian Church, she served in not only the Womens Circle and Sunday school, but was ordained an Elder in 1987.

Helen is survived by two sons Jim Spencer Lisa H. of San Marcos, Texas and Phil Spencer Carroll of Niantic, Connecticut; her daughter Lisa Spencer of Clovis, New Mexico; five grandchildren, Patricia, Suzanne, Spencer, Alex and Elizabeth; and two great-grandchildren Jack and Alexandra.

A celebration of the life of Helen Day Spencer will be held Tuesday, March 6, 2007, at 10:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church in Clovis with Rev. Lance Clemmons officiating

Casket bearers will be A. C. Bryant, Bruce Smith, Hershel Wall, Donald Paschke, Spencer Hammond Patricia Spencer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests all memorials go to the First Presbyterian Church, 1101 Pile Street, Clovis 88101.

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