Thelma Jean Spicer went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. She was born on July 1, 1948, in Paris, Arkansas, the daughter of the late Raymond Robert Vaughan and Thelma Irene (Askins) Vaughan. She was 76 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Earnest Vaughan and wife Eugenia; a sister, Sharon Kay and husband Burl Lee; and two nephews, Robert Vaughan and Stephen Lee.

Thelma was a 1966 graduate of Paris High School and lived and worked in the area for most of her life. She was a member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Paris where she played the organ and piano for worship services. She also played piano for Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church for many years prior, as well as taught Sunday School classes and worked with Vacation Bible School.

Thelma actually was that person whose smile lit up a room. Ask anyone who knew her. She loved her family fiercely and impressed upon them the importance of faith, love, and kindness. She had an incredible work ethic, a steady resilience, and a wonderfully quick wit. Thelma was a voracious reader and could never get enough of the library. She was happiest with a book in her hand and encouraged a love of learning. She loved music of all kinds and played and sang beautifully. She was also a notorious and proud spoiler of grandchildren and pets.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 26th at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Paris, with Pastor Jeremy Jones and Derek Spicer officiating. Following the service, a private family committal service will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Paris, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home in Paris.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, James Spicer; three children, Stephanie Ceniceros and husband Steve of Prairie Grove, Derek Spicer and wife Michele of Siloam Springs, and Tara Ezell and husband Eric of Dardanelle; along with six grandchildren, Natalie Ceniceros, Tanner Garcia, Noah Ceniceros, Taylor Ezell, Brodie Spicer, and Ava Ezell; and her beloved nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be her family members.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Special thanks to Prairie Grove Health and Rehabilitation and Circle of Life Hospice who loved her and cared for her well.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gattis-Logan County Library, 100 E. Academy St. Paris, AR  72855. (479) 963-2371

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.