Novis "Kitty" Spence

Novis “Kitty” (Eddings) Spence January 9, 1932 – September 8, 2025 Novis Lee “Kitty” (Eddings) Spence died in Huntsville, Texas, on September 8, 2025. She was born in Nacogdoches County on January 9, 1932, the middle of three daughters, to Leonard and Hattie (Ainsworth) Eddings. The family moved to Houston in 1937, where Kitty attended Aldine schools. After she graduated from the University of Houston in 1952, she began her lifelong career as an educator in the Aldine School District. She was married on September 10, 1954, to Richard D. Spence, also an educator in Aldine. They had three children: Richard Douglas, Susan Ann, and Gail Elaine. After they retired, they moved to Huntsville in 1995. In 2005, the Aldine School District opened the Richard and Kitty Spence Elementary School to honor their lifetime service. Predeceasing Kitty are her parents and husband. She is survived by her two sisters, Lindell (James) Taylor and Donnie Caton; her three children, Doug Spence, Susan Denson, and Gail (James Ray) Necker; two grandchildren, Jordy (Ryley) Denson and Garrett (Bailey) Denson; and three great grandchildren, Keaton, Chandler, and Scout, and one on the way. The Spence family would particularly like to thank special caregiver Glenda Brent and the staff at Creekside Retirement Center for their devoted assistance during Kitty’s recent illnesses. Services will be held Friday, September 12, at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 Normal Park Drive, Huntsville: a private family viewing at 9:30 am, followed by a visitation at 10:00 am, and the funeral service at 11:00 am. A graveside service will follow at Brooke Cemetery, 672 FM 980, Huntsville. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to the Kitty Spence Scholarship in Education, care of the Aldine School District, or favorite charity. Memorial condolences to the family may be made at www.shmfh.com.