Nina Elizabeth Spencer

Nina succumbed to her short illness and departed life on May 25, 2018 at St. Franciscan hospital in Munster, Indiana.  Born October 27, 1939 in Columbia Missouri to the late Frank and Nadine (Bentley) Stemmons.  She later moved with her family to Springfield, Illinois where she attended Lanphier High school and graduated from same in 1957.  She enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, were she proudly served from 1958 until 1962.  She was employed by Ameritech for 30 years before retiring in 1994.

She was very active with the American Legion, enjoying membership with Post #809 in Springfield, Illinois.  She held several positions including Post Commander.  She was also active in local Springfield politics.  She held the position of Precinct Committee Person for Precinct 032, being elected to that position in 1998.  She was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and held positions there as Vice-Local Chairperson.

She moved to Hammond, Indiana in 2017 to be closer to her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She loved those great-grandchildren, especially that oldest boy Julian.  He was her taxi and buddy.  She was very proud of his accomplishments.  The next one Destiny, she was extremely proud of her as she just graduated hours before her passing and was very happy to have seen her wearing the beautiful pearls she gave her as a graduation gift.  Alexia, well that was her little stalker, she would always follow her around and imitate her actions.  She simply adored her.   Charles, Keon and Kiara she was around of them we often laughed of how Keon would be the musician and Kiara the artist.  Corey was the baby, she just wanted to "get a hold on that hair with a pair of scissors…" she enjoyed watching that kid playing his games.  Her Great-Granddog Kelsi was her delight.  Kelsi would get so excited going to her house.  She would run through the house then plant herself on the sofa.  She continued to work at Walmart, locally here in Hammond,  until the time of her passing.  She enjoyed that part time position for over 6 years.

Nina was preceded in death by her parents, Frank III and Nadine (Bentley) Stemmons, Sons, Kevin Wayne Spencer and Michael Gray, brothers Sonny, Robert and Kenneth Stemmons, Sisters Joyce Williams and Gloria Stemmons.

Nina is survived to cherish her memory by daughter Lisa (Martin) Simane, of Hammond, Indiana;  Grandchildren: Charles (Jennifer) Harmon III, of Hammond, Indiana,  Tiffaney (Corey) Love of Portage, Indiana and, Katara Spencer of Beloit, Wisconsin. Great Grandchildren, Julian, Destiny, Charles IV, Keon, Alexia, Kiara and Cory Jr. She has a great-great granddog, Kelsi.  Her sisters Barbara (Tyrone) Dooley and Martha Stemmons, both of Springfield and Juanita (Lee) Clark of Hazelwood, Missouri.  Her Brothers Carl, Johnny and Roger Stemmons, all of Springfield.  She had many nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives.

Friends and family may gather to honor Nina and Celebrate her life on Saturday, June 2, 2018 from 11:00-1:00 pm at Solan Pruzin Funeral Home 7109 Calumet Ave Hammond, IN. Nina will be laid to rest with Honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Elwood, IL at a later date

Repast following service at the home of her daughter, Lisa. Directions will be available at funeral home.  Any cards or well wishes may be sent to Solan-Pruzin Funeral Home.