02/24/2026
OBITUARY: Linda Pope Spence
Linda Pope Spence, age 83, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 23, 1943, in Bainbridge, Georgia, to Curtis and Mildred Pope. As the eldest of five children, Linda naturally stepped into a role of leadership and love that would define her life.
After graduating from high school in 1960, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she began working and soon met the love of her life, Vernon Spence. The two married in July 1961 and shared nearly sixty wonderful years together, building a life centered on faith, family, and community. Following their marriage, Linda and Vernon settled in Walnut Hill, Florida, a small town outside of Atmore, before moving to Geneva, Alabama, in 1972, where they made their permanent home. Linda devoted herself fully to raising her four children as a stay-at-home mother, creating a home filled with warmth, encouragement, and unconditional love.
Once all of her children were in school, Linda began working outside the home. She first worked in insurance for many years with Sconyers Insurance before embracing her entrepreneurial spirit. In the late 1980s, she opened a gift shop, Southern Manor, where her love for all things elegant and dainty was evident in every thoughtful touch. Approximately eight years later, she expanded her talents by opening a restaurant and catering business, Hen Feathers. Linda was an exceptional cook, a gift she learned while living with her grandmother, and her meals became legendary among family, friends, and the community she served.
Linda was a faithful and devoted member of First Baptist Church, Geneva, Alabama, where she was an active member of the choir and taught Sunday School for many years. Her voice, lifted in worship, revealed the quiet joy and steadfast faith that defined her life and touched the hearts of all who heard her sing.
She loved unconditionally, not only her children but everyone she encountered. Linda had a rare and beautiful way of making every person feel deeply loved and valued. Her kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit touched countless lives.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vernon Spence; her parents, Curtis and Mildred Pope; her granddaughter, Ayla Perez; and her brother, Eddie Pope.
She is survived by her loving children: one son, Darryl (Ann) Spence of Enterprise, Alabama; and three daughters: Tonya (Ernie) Roney, Teresa (Ivan) Perez, and Tammy (Keith) Owen all of Geneva. Linda is also survived by her grandchildren: Brandon (Lisa) Spence of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; Brooke (Brandon) Hurst of Dothan; Shawna (Morgan) Kelley, Norfolk, VA; Tori Kelley Enterprise; Drew (Ally) Roney, Geneva; Dustin (Connie) Roney, Samson; Jamison Roney, DeFuniak Springs, FL; Avery Perez, Geneva; Addyson Perez, San Diego, CA; Devin Shoemaker, Geneva; Cody (Taylor) Shoemaker, Geneva; Katie Owen (Tyler), Opp; and Ty (Bryttany) Owen, Geneva; and 20 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she is survived by two brothers, Larry (Bonnie) Pope, Jackson, AL and Charles (Pam) Pope of Orlando, FL; and one sister, Jackie (David) Ross, Tallahassee, FL, and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
The family expresses special love and adoration to her devoted caregiver, Dana Shiver, and extends heartfelt thanks to Gentiva Hospice for the compassionate care provided during her final days.
Pallbearers to serve will be Drew Roney, Jamison Roney, Devin Shoemaker, Cody Shoemaker, Avery Perez, and David Ross.
Linda’s legacy is one of faith, devotion, service, and boundless love. She was cherished by many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at the First Baptist Church in Geneva with her grandson, Rev. Dustin Roney officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 12:00 p.m.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions made to the First Baptist Church Choir, Geneva, Alabama.