Harriette Paul Spencer, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away June 18, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on March 10, 1944, in Hampton, Virginia, she lived a life defined by love, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to both her family and her community.
Harriette was the daughter of the late Harry Paul and Olive Paul. She grew up in Hampton, where she developed the warmth, sharp wit, and generous spirit that would endear her to everyone she met throughout her life. Those who knew her understood that her humor was one of her greatest gifts. She possessed a witty, lighthearted nature and loved nothing more than making the people around her laugh.
Harriette built a distinguished career in public service, dedicating decades of her professional life to the court system of the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 1975, she was honored with the Legal Secretary of the Year Award through the Hampton Legal Secretaries Association, an early recognition of the excellence and dedication she brought to her work. She went on to serve as Clerk of Court for the Hampton General District Court, a position she held with integrity and professionalism until her retirement in 1999. During her career, she was actively involved as secretary of the Virginia Clerks Association and received the Outstanding Career Service Award for the District Court System with the Commonwealth of Virginia, a testament to her lasting contributions to the judicial community.
Beyond her professional achievements, Harriette’s greatest joy was her family. She was married for 49 years to her beloved husband, the late Richard Aaron Spencer, and the life they built together was one of deep love and partnership. She cherished every opportunity to bring her family together, and her home was always a place of warmth and welcome. She was a loving and caring grandmother and great-grandmother who found endless happiness in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchild. They never failed to put a smile on her face and make her laugh, even during her final days.
Harriette also held a deep love for the ocean. She enjoyed watching charter boats return to the harbor and seeing what the day’s catch had brought in. She adored her puppies and was always willing to help anyone in whatever way she could, extending kindness freely and without hesitation.
Harriette is survived by her daughters, Catherine Patton (Charles) and Christine Hepner (Richard Aaron); her sister, Patricia Paul; her grandchildren, Andrew Patton (Lindsey), Trisha Fellows (Richard), Britney Hepner, and Hayley Hepner; her great-grandchild, Colton Patton; and per precious puppy Bently. In addition to her husband Richard, she was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Olive Paul.
In her quiet faith, Harriette found comfort and peace, and her family takes solace in knowing that she is now reunited with those she loved who went before her. Her legacy of kindness, laughter, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Details regarding memorial services will be shared by the family at a later time. Arrangements are being made through Peninsula Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heartland Hospice Newport News who provided Harriette with loving care during her final days.