One-of-a-kind is the best way I know to describe Carmen. She loves to laugh, and when she thinks something is funny, she laughs until she cries. She is generous, always wanting to give away . . . literally giving the shoes off her feet. She would go shoe shopping, come home and decide the shoes just would not work for her. Instead of returning them for another pair, she would give them to me. I have countless pairs of shoes, scarves, shirts and more from Carmen. She is compassionate, to the point of selflessness. Even during her last few weeks in the hospital, she constantly worried about us. She asked the nurses to bring us blankets, pillows. She would alter her meal tray order so there would be enough food for the person staying with her. She could tell when someone was uncomfortable in the hospital, and would engage them in conversation and know just the right way to put them at ease. She is welcoming. Throughout her life, I watched her welcome people into her home and heart. Neighbors, friends of her children, co-workers. It didn't matter who you were, what you looked like, what you did or did not have, she welcomed you with open arms. 

Perhaps the thing I love most about Carmen and will cherish always is the way she makes me and everyone she loves feel special. If she knew you were coming to her house, she would make sure she had your favorite drink in the fridge, get your favorite candy at Christmas, make sure everyone's favorite dish was included for Thanksgiving. During the last few weeks, while in the hospital, she was asked how many children she had. She would say five, explaining that I came along later in life. Never have I felt more special. 

It's hard for me to use the past tense when talking about Carmen, because she is still all these things. One of the last things I told her was to give my mom a hug in heaven. I then begged her not do anything crazy to get kicked out of heaven, because I'm really looking forward to seeing her when I get there!

Dear Lord, I thank you for my mom and for a life well lived. I thank you for the way she always put others first and taught me what love looks like. I thank you for making her so strong, one of the strongest persons I've ever known. I even thank you for the way you made her so feisty, because sometimes life calls for a little feistiness. In her absence I pray you will wrap us in you comfort and peace. I know she is with you and for that I am thankful. It is in your holy name I pray. Amen.

I dont even know where to begin. I remember going to her apt for Sun dinners and when me & Spence had to move in with them for a spell my Chow had puppies on her living room floor. One year for Christmas she bought me & Sandy matching sweatsuits and we loved them😁. She loved her children & her grandchildren and would do anything for anyone.. She will be missed by everyone she knows. She was a beautiful strong woman and God is lucky to have her now. I will cherish the years I was lucky enough to be a part of and remember everything she ever taught me. What stands out still today is " instead of saying No, try saying why not"? Love you always Mom /MeeMaw. 

OBITUARY

Carmen Winning Spencer

June 22, 1942 – February 28, 2018

McEwen Funeral Service-Derita Chapel

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