Dana Spencer

Dana Leah Bishop Spencer, a beloved wife, mother, sister, mother-in-law, aunt and “nana” 69, of Jonesboro, Arkansas died on Monday May 5th, 2025 at St. Bernards Hospital. Dana was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas at St. Bernard’s Hospital on December 2nd, 1955. She was a member of the Nettleton Baptist Church in Jonesboro. She graduated from Arkansas State University with a BSE in Elementary Education, and Early Childhood Education. She taught at Cedar Park Elementary School in the Trumann School District her entire teaching career of 32 years. She was a member of ADK (Alpha Delta Kappa) Teacher’s Sorority and a past president of the sorority. Mrs. Spencer alongside Mrs. Karleen Sheets co-wrote and received a prestigious Disney Grant for Cedar Park Elementary School providing wonderful opportunities for the students in the school. Mrs. Spencer’s love was teaching and she taught throughout her 32 years in education grades K-4, and went on to become a Reading Recovery Specialist for the district.

Outside of her professional life, Dana was a dedicated wife, mom and “nana!” Her family was her love and her life! She loved spending time wither her family going on many vacations and road trips to see more family! Her greatest joy was supporting her family by going to many performances at the Foundation of Arts, school programs, and pageants. If there was an event, she was there to make sure everyone had a cheerleader! Dana loved spending time in God’s creation and was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing this love with her daughter and granddaughter!

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at St. Bernard’s Hospital for their care and support during this difficult time.

She is survived by her husband Daniel Everett Spencer of 42 years, one son Andrew Merrell Spencer, one daughter Kathryn Spencer Tarkington, one son in-law Xavier Tarkington; two grandchildren Danielle ,and James ; two sisters Fonda Lofton Mann (Terry Mann) ,  Anna Marie Bishop of Jonesboro, and one brother in Bill Spencer (Deanna) of Birch Tree, Missouri. She is preceded in death by her parents, William “Bill” Bishop, and Catherine Marie Bishop; her Mother in-law Norma Spencer, and Father in- law William “Lyle” Spencer; and her nephew Aaron Lofton.

Visitation will be held on May 10th 2025 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro with the funeral service following in the Emerson Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Rodney Reeves officiating. A private family burial will follow at the Gibson Cemetery in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Honored to serve as active pallbearers are her nephews Adam Lofton, Alan Belzung, Jason Spencer, Brian Spencer, John Moeckel, Ollin Holland and her son-in-law Xavier Tarkington.