Audrey Murphy Spence, 100, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, October 27, 2025. Born in North East, MD, on April 4, 1925, she was the daughter of the late William A. and Anna Mae Moore Murphy.

A homemaker who took great pride in her family and her home, Mrs. Spence was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was a 1943 graduate of Elkton High School, Elkton, MD, and married her high school sweetheart, Jim, in 1944. Mrs. Spence was an amazing and strong woman. She made her contribution to the war effort during World War II by working in the munitions industry. She never shied away from a project, and her little tool bag was never far from her hands. Mrs. Spence was an excellent seamstress and loved making clothes for her daughters. She also enjoyed making draperies, upholstering furniture, hanging wallpaper, painting her home inside and outside, and tiling walls and floors. Mrs. Spence loved cooking for her family and friends, especially holiday meals, with Christmas being her favorite time of year. She enjoyed reading, canning, and caring for family and friends when needed. Mrs. Spence would accompany her best friend, Emily Eppes, on road trips to Baltimore to visit Emily's family. Inevitably, they would miss an exit or a turn and end up lost, only to return home laughing hysterically about their adventure. At the young age of 50, she went to summer school for driver's education. Feeling a little intimidated by the teenagers in the class, she dropped out. The instructor understood and gave her private lessons. And once she received her driver's license, Christiana Mall, particularly Macy's, was never the same on sale days.

Mrs. Spence is survived by her daughters, Sandra S. Sterling, Vicki L. Waggaman, and Patricia A. George and husband, L. Harold George, Jr.; five grandchildren, Beldon E. Sterling, III, and wife, Noelle, James A. Sterling, Sr., William H. Waggaman, IV, and wife, Ayesha, Daniel L. Sterling, and Teresa A. George; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Spence was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, James H. Spence, Jr.; sons-in-law, Beldon E. Sterling, Jr., and William H. Waggaman, III; all of her siblings; and dear niece, Sally Pincus.

Mrs. Spence's family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to everyone at Somerford House and Compassionate Care Hospice for the love and care provided to their mother. She loved each one of you.

The funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Hicks Home for Funerals, 103 W. Stockton Street, Elkton, MD  21921, with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. Interment in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, DE, will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Amedisys Foundation, in care of the funeral home, at the above address.

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