Obituaries | Week of April 20,2026

LENA ELIZABETH SPENCE

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

Lena received her bachelor’s degree in education from Auburn University and an master’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Central Florida. She taught elementary school children in Brevard County, Florida and in Chambers County, 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 U.S. 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 preceded in death 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 in Buffalo, Alabama. 

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 18 at 11 a.m. CST at Lebanon Presbyterian Church, 2090 CO RD 172 LaFayette, Al 36862. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Family received friends at the church prior to the service. 

Jeff Jones Funeral Home LaFayette is assisting the family with arrangements.