Joan Margaret Spencer

With much human sorrow and great Christian joy, we share the passing of Joan Margaret Spencer, Ph.D. Joan Spencer’s life was a metaphor for a “warrior” as she believed she was called to put on “the whole armor of God” (Ephesians) and battle causes for the unloved, the marginalized, the defenseless, and the downtrodden. She fought a good fight against cancer, often quoting 1 Timothy 6:11-12, “aim at righteousness, godliness, faith, love steadfastness…fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called….” She was a lifelong Methodist Church member and follower of Jesus Christ. Joan Spencer, Ph.D., was born in Gloversville, NY, and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in Schenectady, NY, in 1955. Mrs. Spencer graduated from Hudson Valley Community College, earning an RN degree with high honors in 1973. Before starting her career as an RN, she married Andrew Geier on January 30, 1960, with whom she had five children. Joan Spencer married Ralph Spencer on July 18, 1981. They did not have children together. Mrs. Spencer received a letter of commendation from St. Clare’s Hospital in 1973 for saving patients’ lives from a fire on the 3 West hospital floor. She graduated from Skidmore College with a bachelor’s Degree. She graduated with her Master of Arts from Vermont College of Norwich University in 1986. “The Endless Journey” publication was published with copyright in 1986. Mrs. Spencer’s Doctorate Degree in Philosophy/Psychiatry was earned in 1992. “Hear Our Voices” was published with copyright in 1992. Dr. Spencer earned a Post-doctorate Master Practitioner Certification in the Art and Science of Neuro-Linguistic Programming in 1995. Founding member and past president of the Tri-County Spiritual Frontiers Fellowship. Past President of Keepers of the Circle, Inc. Native American Community Friendship Center in NYS. Dr. Spencer, a psychotherapist, was in private practice after completing her doctorate until 2010. Dr. Spencer lived with her daughters in Bryans Road, MD, and knitted blankets for Charles County Animal Shelter, and attended In His Service Community Ministry/Shiloh United Methodist Church. She is predeceased by Andrew Geier, Ralph Spencer, and brother Jerry Babcock. She is the daughter of William Babcock and Charlotte Hart Babcock. Her children survive her: Janet (Michael) Memoli, David (Joy) Geier, Sandra (Charles) Becker, Christine Macan, Nadine Geier, Niece Dawn Taylor, and nephew William Babcock, goddaughter Cheryl Depasquale, ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, great nieces and nephew, and a haven for many other children. Please join us in celebrating her life at a Memorial Service April 22, 2023 at 4pm with dinner to follow at In His Service Community Ministry/Shiloh United Methodist Church at 7305 Indian Head Highway (RT 210) Bryans Road, MD 20616. (A Zoom link will follow for those who cannot attend in person) A Memorial Service will be held at Mayfield United Methodist Church in Mayfield, NY on May 6, 2023 at 1PM with light refreshments to follow. Donations in her honor can be made to In His Service Community Ministry/Shiloh United Methodist Church, the NYS Grange Mayfield Chapter, or Hospice of Charles County. The family wishes to thank Hospice for the compassionate care given to Dr. Joan Spencer.

Joan Margaret Spencer

November 6, 1938 - April 6, 2023