Carol Lee Spencer
Age 65, of Royal Oak, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025. In accordance with her wishes, cremation will take place. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Carol’s tribute wall at detroitcremationsociety.com.
Carol Lee Spencer was born on February 8, 1960, in Hazel Park, Michigan, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald and Patricia (Walsh) Sheppard. Carol Spencer was a light in the lives of those lucky enough to share time with her. Her kind and genuine nature made her a beacon for those in need of refuge and she happily provided comfort, support, love, compassion, kindness, and light to all she encountered. She accepted and embraced all who needed love and acceptance, and made herself a safe haven for anyone in need of shelter, a shoulder, or a listening ear. She gladly leant support and solidarity to those in need of it, and went out of her way to lend guidance, empathy, and reassurance to those she loved. Her fondest goal in life was to spread magic and joy, whatever form it may take, wherever it may be needed; and thus she herself became magic and joy to those around her, illuminating the world like the guiding beam of a lighthouse. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed by those who shared their lives with her. She will live on in the hearts of those who love her, the gardens she so lovingly tended, and the magic that she created and shared with the world around her.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband; Garry Spencer, her daughter; Emily Spencer, her siblings; Tom Sheppard, Jerry and Debbie Sheppard, Patrick Sheppard, Linda and Joe Mills, and Dave Carsley, as well as countless cherished nieces and nephews.
Carol was preceded in death by her sister; Julie Carsley, her brother; John Sheppard, her sister-in-law; Linda Tye Sheppard, her nephew; David Mills, her nephew; Dennis Spurlock, her niece; Kaitlyn Lawrence, and her best friend; Karen Roosen.
Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
My beautiful Carol, my friend and my inspiration for so many things…
You were always there for us, so generous in every way, but it was your spirit that infused me with love. Love for so many wonderful things. You were a guide, a light, a beautiful presence.
As a kid I thought you and Julie were so cool, and so beautiful. I always looked up to you. You’d take us places on your bikes, get us ice cream, let us come up to your bedroom and play records. We would make Santa cookies in the winter and play softball at Hazel Park High with all the family and friends in the summer. These were some of the best times of my childhood and I’ve never forgotten them because I did them with my own kids too.
You and Julie took me to camp out for Bob Seger tickets when I was a teenager and we got 5th row! That was a party. That was one of my first concerts and you got me so hooked at 16 years old!
When we got older we’d spend every weekend at the cider mill or orchard in the fall. We couldn’t wait for Halloween, having parties, decorating, going to Greenfield Village. Every year it was all about Halloween and we spent a lot of time in that happy place with our daughters. You’ll always be Halloween to me.
I like to think you’re back with Julie and that makes me so happy because I feel like it makes you so happy. She really was the love of your life, your truest soulmate, and I knew you’d be waiting so hard to see her again. And to think you’re also back with Gramma, and the babies we gave back to heaven, makes me glad to know there really is a place out there we spend our eternity in, surrounded by love. I hope it’s decorated for Halloween all year round 🖤💚🧡
I will always love you Aunt Carol. You are the best of the best and life was so much better because you loved me. I hope you know how much we all loved you back.
I love and miss you, Aunt Carol. You and Uncle Dave were always so kind to me. I don’t have any words except I love you, and I hope you’re getting ready for Halloween with my mom.
Also, Kara, what a beautiful sentiment above. Thank you.
Carol had been officially a part of the Spencer family for over 41 years, but was our sister some years before that. She was a good friend to all she met, but was my brother’s best friend. I will forever be grateful for the the happiness she brought into my brother’s live. She had a heart of gold. She will be truly missed by all who loved her. I can’t help but to be jealous of her rejoicing in Heaven with Momma Rosie, Keith, Baby Jimmy, Brandon & Travis… And of course Bub who had the best birthday with his favorite SIL. Until we meet again, Sweet Carol, love Karen.
Carol was my manager at Comerica for several years. I appreciated her gentle way of guiding you and making you feel we are just all one big family trying to get the job done. I also appreciate the opportunity she gave me to grow as a leader, never pushing you but encouraging you all the way. Holidays were always fun. We celebrated and decorated for every occasion with Carol at the front with all her creative ideas. Carol thank you for helping make many years not just a job but a joy to be a part of the Check Services Family.