Anna Catharine Mauney Spence, 77, of North Charleston, South Carolina, joined the Lord in eternal rest Friday, June 26, 2026. Born on October 31, 1948, to D.R. and Mary Frances Mauney of Cherryville, NC, Anna lived a full and faithful life. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ronald Spence; her mother, Mary Frances Mauney; and father, David Rudisill Mauney. She is survived by her son, Carson Spence of Arlington, VA and sisters, Martha Moses of Dalton, GA; Caroline Mauney of Mount Pleasant, SC; and Harriet Cordray (John) of Ravenel, SC. Affectionately known as Aunt Anna, she leaves behind a growing extended family: her nephew, David Mauney Phillips, and great nephew David Luke Phillips; niece, Lura Phillips Cummings (Rodney); great nephew, Ian Cummings; great niece, MacKenzie Cummings; and nephew, John William Cordray III (Bridget) and their children, Hensley Grace Cordray and newborn son John William Cordray IV. Additionally, her extended family from her late husband’s side and an immeasurable amount of dear friends will join them in carrying her memory with them.

She leaves behind a legacy of love with her family and close friends of memories shared at her childhood home in Cherryville, NC and summers spent in the fresh waters of Lake Lure, NC before moving to Virginia Beach, VA in 1972 and later to Charleston, SC in 2022. A graduate of Cherryville High School (1966) and of Lenoir Rhyne University (1970) with a degree in Early Childhood Education, Anna continued her passion for learning at Norfolk State University with a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.

A passionate educator, historian, and a philanthropist - she dedicated over 35 years of service to public education and forged a lifetime of impact that will span generations. Prior to a long standing teaching career in Virginia Beach, Anna taught 4th grade at the Clark Military Base in the Philippines. She was a beloved fixture and pillar of her community in her home of Virginia Beach, VA where she taught beginning in 1972. She shared her love of children with her family and friends, always producing the perfect book for every occasion. After retiring from the school system, she continued working with children as a tutor and mentor. She enjoyed being creative and crafting with her friends and thoroughly enjoyed planning events, such as the Bagby reunion in the NC mountains, regular lunches with friends in Virginia Beach, or hosting block parties with her neighbors in SC. An active member of every community she became a part of, she dedicated more than 55 years to the Daughters of the American Revolution, holding key roles such as Regent and Virginia State Officer. Anna was a faithful and active member of Charity United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach, VA and joined St. Luke Lutheran Church of Summerville after moving to North Charleston, SC.

Anna Spence knew no strangers. She always remembered your special occasions and loved to send a card with a personal note on holidays and special anniversaries. Once a friend, you were her friend for life. She will be dearly missed and her legacy will live on.

Funeral services will be held at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church at 11 AM on July 25, 2026. Saint Paul’s is located at 604 Pitt St., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. A memorial service will be held in Virginia Beach, VA later this summer and the family will provide details as they come together. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Virginia Beach Library Foundation or Cherryville Historical Society.