Elizabeth Ann Spencer Deahl (Libby) passed away unexpectedly at 101 years young on February 1, 2020 with her daughter, Betsy holding her hand.

A private burial was held at Cross Hill Cemetery. A memorial service will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 22, 2020 at Carthage United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends in the fellowship hall following the service.

A Moore County native, she was born in her family home in Carthage, NC on April 23,1918, the second of five children.

Libby graduated from Carthage High School in 1935. During her two years of study at Florida State Teachers College she met her future husband, Sam Deahl. She completed her teaching degree from UNC Chapel Hill in 1939. Teaching History and English in Candor, NC, she began her career during one of the richest experiences of her life, which included residing in a local boarding house with other young professionals. Sam wooed her through many visits and letters until their subsequent marriage in October 1940.

Following their honeymoon, she and Sam moved to Evanston, Illinois where Sam resumed leadership of his family linen service. For the next 45 years, the couple raised their three daughters, Lamar, Carol and Betsy on the Chicago North Shore. The girls fondly recall family outings, sailing on Lake Michigan, snow skiing in Wisconsin, church activities and Girl Scouts. When the girls were mostly grown and in college, Libby returned to teaching and made significant contributions impacting young lives at Northfield Community Nursery School.

Libby and Sam moved back to NC after retiring to care for her mother. Libby became involved in church activities, the Gideons International, the DAR, and her main love, gardening, while Sam enjoyed his workshop and projects. They were happily married for 71 years until Sam passed away in 2011.

Libby was an avid reader. She was active in the Carthage Garden Club until her death. She and Sam were very involved in the local prison ministry at the Carthage jail, leading bible studies and prayer groups. A renowned storyteller, she kept everyone in stitches with her stories about growing up in historic Carthage.

Mrs. Deahl was preceded in death by her parents, Lena Fowler and Colin G. Spencer, her sister, Mary Fowler Griffith, her two brothers, Colin Spencer, Jr. and John A. Spencer, husband Sam Deahl and daughter, Mary Carol Clow. She is survived by her sister, Lamar Verch, her daughters, Lamar Blum and Betsy Spencer and three grandchildren, Edward Clow, Christy Erbeck and Rebecca White, five great grandchildren and eighteen nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to: Carthage United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 70, Carthage, NC 28327 or Gideons International – Moore County Camp. PO Box 448, Southern Pines. NC. 28388

Services entrusted by Fry and Prickett Funeral Home

Condolences may be offered online at www.pinesfunerals.com

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