Anne Spence

Dorothy Anne Spence, lovingly known to so many as Ms. Anne, of Grapeland, Texas, passed away on Saturday, the 12th day of September 2026, at the age of 92. She was born on the 10th day of December 1933, in Grapeland, Texas, to parents Howell Holly "Buddy" Smith and Dorothy Grace Kent Smith.

Born and raised with deep roots in Grapeland, Anne carried her hometown proudly in her heart throughout her life. She was crowned Peanut Queen, a special honor that reflected both her community spirit and sense of civic pride. Grapeland was more than where she lived, it was home and she remained deeply connected to its people and traditions throughout her life. Anne was also a longtime and faithful member of First Baptist Church of Grapeland, where her relationship with God, and connection to her church family were an important part of her life.

Anne was a woman of many accomplishments, which included taking part in one of the most extraordinary chapters in American history, working with NASA during the Apollo era and the historic Moon Landing. As an editor and transcriber for the Apollo missions, she played a behind-the-scenes role in documenting the words and work of those who helped carry humankind to the moon. It was a memorable moment that she could be proud of for a lifetime.

While employed and raising her family, she completed a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston Clear Lake. She also owned and operated several businesses in various industries. Eventually Anne joined her family in the restaurant business, following the hospitality and restauranteur traditions learned from her parents as a young child.

She was a loving mother, aunt, and devoted friend. "Nanny Anne" had many grandchildren of the heart, that brought her great joy in life. Anne was a woman whose home was a gathering place, and her table always seemed to have room for one more. She loved to bake and cook while being the ultimate hostess. Her door was always open, her kitchen was always welcoming, and her generosity knew no boundaries. She embodied the very best of Southern hospitality—gracious, warm, thoughtful, and genuine.

Anne is preceded in death by her parents Buddy and Dorothy Smith; husbands, John A. Skeen, and Jack Clinton Spence; daughters, Patricia Lynn Skeen, and Stacy Anne Burke; sons, John Arlee Skeen, Jr. and, Howell Clifford Skeen; and brother, Billy Joe Smith.

She leaves behind a legacy of love with her daughter, Stephanie Lou Spears; son-in-law, Russell "Rusty" Burke; grandchildren, Kayla Burke, Ross Burke and wife Kim; great-grandchildren, Ryden Burke, Ellie Burke, and Kylie Burke; sister-in-law, Helen R. Smith; nieces, Tami Smith Bruner, Suzie Smith LaRue; nephew, Mark Steven Smith; and a host of other family members and friends.

Friends are invited to a visitation from five o'clock until seven o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 18th day of September 2026 in the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church Grapeland.

Funeral services are to be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning on Saturday, the 19th day of September 2026 at First Baptist Church Grapeland with Bro. Tim Smith officiating the service. Interment will follow in Dailey Cemetery.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Evan Bruner, Vance Bruner, Colton LaRue, Christopher Hughes, Danny Luce, Ross Pennington and Cayden Hyatt. Honorary pallbearers include Dan Huff, Ray Bruner, and Lance Wendling.

Funeral services for Dorothy Anne Spence are in the care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit her online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com , where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.