Anne Spence, 86, passed into the presence of God on March 3, 2023, in Springfield, MO. Anne spent her life in service to God and her family, and she served beside her husband, the late Dr. Robert H. Spence, as first lady of Evangel University for 40 years.

Born Margaret Anne Tindol on January 10, 1937, in Minden, LA, she was the daughter of Claude and Margaret Tindol.

Anne grew up in New Brockton, AL, and graduated from New Brockton High School in 1955. She attended classes at the University of Alabama.

She met Robert at a youth rally in 1955, and they were married on August 11, 1956. Together, they had five children, Jennifer, Thomas, Jonathan, David, and Stephen.

Robert and Anne served in four Assemblies of God churches throughout Alabama over the course of 18 years.

When Robert was named president of Evangel in May 1974, Anne shifted from a focus on the local church to engagement with a broader collegiate community. She was often called as the number one promoter and recruiter of students for Evangel, as she felt every college-aged person should attend the university. As President Spence travelled to churches, conferences, and alumni functions from coast to coast, Anne was often by his side, talking with prospective students and their parents, encouraging them to prayerfully consider Evangel.

Prior to his death, Dr. Spence described Anne as the “epitome of conscientiousness,” adding, “Her life principle has been to serve God and her family in ways that will glorify the Lord and bring honor and happiness to those around her.”

Anne served as executive vice president of the Evangel Ladies Auxiliary, now called the EU Advocates, from 1974 to 2013. During her tenure, she established a weekly meeting to pray for the needs of Evangel. Anne also led the auxiliary through several special fundraising projects, including the purchase of a new Schantz pipe organ for the chapel (the project of which she was most proud), uniforms for the marching band, and various scholarships.

For her contributions to the institution, Anne received the Evangel Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award. Additionally, Evangel established the Anne Spence Award for Meritorious Christian Character and Service, which is given annually to two graduating seniors. In April 2014, the university also honored Anne by christening the Anne Spence Heritage Room in Ralph M. Riggs Administration Building in her honor. This fireside welcome center is the main meeting point on campus for visitors, alumni, and friends of the university.

Anne was preceded in death by two children, Jennifer, who died in infancy, and Thomas, who died at age 5 in 1968, as well as her parents and her husband. She is survived by three sons, nine grandchildren, and her brother and sister.

Anne’s memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 5, at Central Assembly, 1301 N Boonville Ave, Springfield, Missouri 65802. Visitation will be at 2:00, and the service will be at 3:00.

Cards to the family may be sent to Dr. Jon Spence at Evangel University, 1111 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO 65802.

Memorial donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Anne Spence Fund at Evangel University.