Barbara June Spence Crumpler passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the age of 82 at home with her family.

She was born on February 16, 1943 in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.  She was preceded in death by her parents, William Thomas Spence and Lizzie Mae Pridgen Spence, her brother, Jesse Thomas Spence, and her son, Michael Thomas Howell. Barbara graduated from Roanoke Rapids High School in 1961. Later in life she worked as a dedicated server and trainer at Cracker Barrel for over 17 years in Roanoke Rapids. She was known by her customers to play the country store harmonica and sing for their loved one's birthday celebrations. She treasured the friendships that she made with her customers and coworkers. She loved to cook, especially to make homemade Carolina Barbecue, lasagna, fudge, pickles, chow chow and homemade preserves. She is survived by her son, Kevin Wade Howell (Diane Davis) of Kissimmee, Florida; her daughter, Lori Lynn Howell Wright (Eric) of Richmond, Virginia and her daughter, Crystal Michelli Howell Adams (Terry Floyd); her grandchildren,  Ashley Howell (Drew Ballinger), Jacob Howell (Diana Moreno), Danielle Bottie (Kevin), Alexandra Wilkinson (Tyler), Austin Taylor (Savannah Button), Hannah Taylor and Steven Wright; her great grandchildren, Sophia, Logan, Zachary, Sebastian, and Grayson; her brother, William Henry Spence (Ruth); sister in law, Evelyn (Ebby) Mosely Spence and her loyal fur-baby, Phoebe.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday May 17, 2025 at Crestview Memorial Cemetery with Minister Jason Yeatts officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to East 10th Street Christian Church, 1207 East Tenth Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC. 27870.