Winifred Theodora “Winnie” (Manlove) Spence
Winifred Theodora “Winnie” (Manlove) Spence, age 92, of Townsend, DE, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 25, 2021.
Winnie was born in Maryland in 1929 to William Robert Manlove and Ella Broadwater Manlove. She is pre-deceased by her sister, Anna Elizabeth, and brother, Joseph Robert Manlove. Winnie moved to Delaware in 1964 and married Lt. Ernest S. Spence III (Ret. DSP).
She is survived by her beloved husband and son, Benjamin Haden Spence, who were dear to her heart. Winnie’s grandsons, Haden and River Spence, were both cherished by Grammy. She loved to watch their ice hockey games and join them in visits to the mall. These were her happiest days. Winnie is pre-deceased by a step-son, David, whom she mothered and instructed in many skills while he lived with his father and Winnie in Odessa. A second step-son, Ernie IV, of Penn Acres, enjoyed Odessa weekend visits with his father and step-mom during his youth.
Winnie was an exceptional leader who was happiest when serving others. She was honored to be elected by her peers to eight years in the Delaware House/Senate. She claimed to have represented the finest citizens of Delaware. As a legislator, Winnie often stepped out of her comfort zone to oppose laws she felt would not be helpful.
Her passion for major projects began when she was eighteen years old serving as the youngest member on the Board of Directors of her local YMCA in Elkton, MD. Winnie enjoyed overseeing the building of Spence Homes, as well as designing the interiors (which she accomplished with a black marker on the subfloors). She loved to decorate and sew. In her early years, she enjoyed painting on canvas, but later turned to amateur photography with an emphasis on historic homes during fresh snows.
Winnie loved her pets. The latest, “Baby” Chihuahua and grand-dog, “Luna Sky”. Through her life, her dogs, horses, and cars were treated like children.
Winnie’s ancestry dates back to 1669 when a British Naval Officer arrived from England. Records show her ancestor, John Money (1714) resided in Cecil County, MD, where he took the “Oath of Allegiance” in 1778 as a Patriot and defender of American Independence (Judge John Ward presiding). This record made her eligible to become a daughter of the American Revolution.
All services will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Winnie’s memory to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Rev. Dr Doug Perkins
Our deepest condolences to you…What a remarkable woman! Thanks for letting us care for her–after she served us for decades!
Rev. Dr. Doug Perkins, Pastor-Chaplain
PCA & Compassionate Care Hospice
Paul & Lois Loder
With Deepest Sympathy and God’s Blessings to Winnie’s Family and Friends….Peace
Manetta Gorenflo
Worked with Winnie against abortion in De back in the late “70’s” early “80’s” & even traveled to Dover when she was fighting for the rights for the unborn in Legislative Hall. I admired her feistiness against many of her opponents in legislation.
Winnie had a sweet spirit about her & was very open about what she believed in & why! Our Lord gave her a long & prosperous life & I am sure she has touched many lives over the years.
My condolences to the family, may the Lord give you peace & comfort at this time.
Sincerely, Manetta Gorenflo
Jackie Guessford McDermott
My sincere condolences to you all, love and hugs!!
Jackie Guessford McDermott
Sharon Ginn Mcculley
Condolences to the family of my dearest Aunt Winnie.. Lost contract with her many years ago.. Reunited at the funerals for my parents Tweedy & Ruth Ginn.. Many blessings for all who were a part of this beautiful ladies life..
Jerry Schad
So sorry for the loss felt by the Spence family. May perpetual light shine upon her.
Michael Harmon
Ben and Family,
Precious in the sight of The Lord is the death of His Saints. Psalm 116:15
My deepest condolences for you and the family. I know it’s hard during times of loss to keep on going. Hang in there, the final chapter in life is written in God’s book of our lives. Your mom was an extraordinary person who gave of herself for so many. A true blessing and a genuine ambassador for Christ Jesus to all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Winie will be missed and heaven is richer for her presence!
Love You Brother Ben!
H. Paul Eihinger Jr
I met Winnie through her husband Ernie who worked with me a Troop 9…I would pick Ernie up and take him to work many a day. Ernie had me welding and fixing their horse van truck… so they could take their horses to various events..
Winnie had me drive her in the Georgetown, “Return Day” parade…Just a great, very kind, and friendly woman…a true patriot…She will be greatly missed by all who knew her…I pray the Peace and Love of the Holy Spirit be upon her family and her friends..
Thomas J; Shannon
Dear Ernie, sorry learn of your loss. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Roger Thomson
Ernie: So very sorry for your loss. You had many happy years together.
Robert Shannon
My condolences to the Spence family.
Dawn Lynster
Budd and I are so sorry to hear of Winnie’s passing. We remember her riding around the neighborhood at Legacy with her “Baby” in the bicycle basket. Please accept our sympathy to your entire family. Dawn & Budd Lynster
Mary ann durante
The Durante family sends our thoughts and prayers
Maggie Beattie
Winnie was an amazing woman. Your wonderful remembrance shared so much about her. She was my neighbor on Glenturret and my happy memory is of her riding her bike with Baby in the front basket. Surely goodness and mercy has followed her and she dwellls in the House of the Lord. Borrowed from Psalm 23
Maggie B