Joann K. Spencer

Joann K. Spencer

HENRIETTA/STEPHENS MILLS — Joann K. Spencer of Henrietta, NY, formerly of Stephens Mills, passed away peacefully on Friday (June 19, 2026), at the age of 79.

Raised in the hamlet of Stephens Mills within the town of Fremont, Joann went on to become a deeply dedicated educator. She spent 32 proud years as a Special Education Teacher in Steuben County. Her absolute favorite role was teaching three- and four-year-old students, a calling where her extraordinary patience and warmth shone brightest. Joann and her husband Tom traveled often both in the United States and abroad. Their favorite location was Ireland. Even after retiring, her advocacy continued as she supported families within the Monroe County Schools while they resided in Greece, NY. In her later years, she moved to Brentland Woods in Henrietta to be closer to family. Joann’s life was defined by this unwavering devotion to children and her boundless love for her family.

She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Worden and Teresa Kilbury; her loving brother, Joe W. Kilbury; and her cherished husband of 42 years, Thomas J. Spencer.

Joann is survived by her devoted son, Scott W. Murray (Dawn); her loving grandchildren, Desiree Seager (Drew), Brook Chisholm (Tim), Cody Whitney and Noah Murray; her adored great-grandchildren, Finnegan, Indie, Nora, Rowyn, Tripp; and her sister-in-law, Norma Kilbury.

Relatives and friends are invited to join her family at St. Ann’s Church, 35 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in her memory at 10 a.m. TUESDAY (July 7, 2026). Committal prayers and inurnment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, town of Fremont.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Joann’s honor to St. Ann’s Church of Our Lady of the Valley parish, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Joann’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Joann are welcome below or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.