Mrs. Denise Morris Spangenberger, age 62, of Warthen, formerly Riverdale, passed away Saturday, December 29, 2018. A memorial service celebrating Denise’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 2nd at 2:00 p.m. at Pine Hill Methodist Church in Washington County. Reverend Don Black, Reverend Ronald Capes and Rev. Karen Fisher will officiate. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery.
Denise was born in Atlanta and reared in Forest Park where she graduated from Forest Park High School, class of ’74. She worked for the Clayton County Board of Education from which she retired, including years at her alma mater where she fostered lasting relationships with countless students- many of whom themselves considered her a mother figure. Denise was an active member of the Forest Park United Methodist Church where she served her church in numerous leadership roles including her favorites, church pianist and children’s ministries. She was extremely active in her community, volunteering at numerous sporting events with her children during their youth, also with Angels Atlanta benefiting Children’s Hospital of Atlanta and being a part of the Bereavement Emergency Response Team. In retirement in Washington County, Denise found her greatest joy in being ‘Neecie’ to Justin and Mattie and anticipating the arrival of twin grandbabies in March of 2019, being with and near family, spending time with her great group of girlfriends, taking a role in renovating her new home as well as attending the Pine Hill Methodist Church and the Sandersville United Methodist Church. She loved without reservation and was considered one of the kindest souls who graced this earth by most who knew her. She was the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman. She is predeceased by her father, William Ray Morris.
Survivors include; her husband Ray R. Spangenberger of Warthen, children, P.J. Barron and her husband Travis also of Warthen, and Caleb Spangenberger and his wife Kristine of Ketchum ID, grandchildren, Justin Barron, Mattie Grace Barron and forthcoming twins, her mother, Thelma F. Morris of Forest Park, siblings, Sid Morris of Greensboro, Teresa M. Donaldson and her husband Randy of Madison MS, Dee Morris and is wife Terri of Covington, and Daniel Morris of Warthen, numerous nieces and nephews (with a special mention of her niece Amanda Davis) and a host of wonderful friends.
The family will be at the Spangenberger residence on Hwy. 15 North, Warthen, and they will receive friends prior to the memorial service from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 at the church.
Donations may be made to the Forest Park UMC, 4473 College Street, Forest Park, GA. 30297 or to your favorite children’s charity in memory of Denise.
May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.