Ethel "Spanky" Bowman Spainhour

After 7 years of battling Alzheimer's, Ethel passed away peacefully, Friday, September 11, 2015, at Trinity Elms Memory Unit in Clemmons.
She was born July 5, 1921 to Martha Ellen Cummings and Oliver Franklin Bowman. At birth doctors said she would never walk. With the help from her brothers, she learned to walk and became a professional dancer. She grew up in Winston-Salem and was a graduate of Reynolds High School and Salem College with a business degree.
She was married to John Robertus Spainhour, Jr. for 52 years. She was his caretaker for 5 years until his death, September 20, 1989. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and brothers Fred, Radford, and Reitzel; and one sister Kathleen B. Griggs. Surviving are two sons Richard (Nanette) of Clemmons and Ronald of Winston-Salem; three grandchildren John (Sue), Jeffrey (Jennifer), and Jo Anna Nifong (Jimmy); four great-grandchildren Chase Spainhour, Ben Spainhour, Justin Nifong, and Joy Ann Nifong.
She was employed by the Forsyth County Department of Social Services and Reserved Life Insurance Company. She retired from Reserved Life after 27 years of service. She was district manager for Winston-Salem, High Point, and Greensboro offices.
Spanky was president of the TOPs Club for several years. She also enjoyed painting landscapes, working in her yard, and flowers. She was a member of Christ Moravian Church where she taught children's Sunday School. She had a great sense of humor and unwavering trust in the Lord. She was a two-time cancer survivor.
The family wants to extend their heartfelt thanks to Spanky's former roommate Mrs. Annie Miller and her son Don for their unconditional love, kindness, and attention.
Visitation will be Monday, September 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. Graveside service will be at 2:00p.m. Tuesday, September 15 at Forsyth Memorial Park. Pastor Gary Byrum will officiate.

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