Patricia Ann “Tricia” Spencer, 78, of Gulf Breeze, FL passed away Friday, November 6, 2026.

Tricia served for twenty years as a deacon in the Episcopal Church and was a proud member of Impact100, the Kiwanis Club, Moms Demand Action, and the League of Women Voters.

Her faith was a central part of her life, and she took her calling seriously, generously giving of her time to the church and to her community. Her years of ministry were among the most meaningful of her life.

Tricia loved learning. She earned two master’s degrees, one in library science from Florida State University and the other in European literature from Durham University in Durham, England. She worked as the Volusia County records manager and joined the American Red Cross to serve during the Vietnam War.

Born January 31, 1948, raised in Tallahassee, Tricia never lost her love for her hometown or her Florida State Seminoles. She cheered them on through good seasons and bad, lately they gave her plenty of chances to demonstrate her loyalty. In recent years, she also became a University of West Florida booster and fan, adding a little blue and green to her garnet and gold.

But for Tricia, family mattered the most. She was a proud mother, mother-in-law, sister, dog mom, and grandmother "Momma Spence” to her four grandchildren.

When her son, Michael, was growing up, her house was often full of football players who were loud, hungry, and apparently always in need of another meal (the origin of “Momma Spence”). She was happy to have them, most of the time, and kept welcoming them back. Michael’s friends and teammates became a familiar part of life in her home.

She rarely missed a chance to watch Michael play football, compete in weightlifting and later coach. She even supported his short-lived modeling career, following him into unexpected territory. Whatever Michael was doing, she wanted to be there.

She was also wonderfully stubborn and never afraid to share her opinions. You rarely wondered where she stood on something because she would tell you. Changing her mind was another matter entirely. Those who cared for her knew that determination well, along with the love and loyalty that came with it.

Those who loved Tricia will remember her in the places where she was most herself: serving at church, cheering from the sidelines, welcoming a houseful of hungry boys, and spending time with her family. They will miss her candor, her determination, and knowing exactly what she thought. She accomplished much in her life, but nothing made her prouder than being Michael’s mother, Robin's mother-in-law, and her grandchildren’s Momma Spence.

Tricia was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Sue (Boynton) Spencer and her brother, Edward.

Survivors include her son, Michael (Robin Zimmern); grandchildren, Gabe, Michael, Emma and Charlotte; her sister, Sandy Miller and brother, Phillip; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 2:00pm Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at St. Cyprian Episcopal Church, 500 N. Reus St., Pensacola, FL 32501, immediately followed by a reception at Atlas Oyster House, 600 S Barracks St, Pensacola, FL 32502.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Cyprian Episcopal Church, 500 N. Reus St., Pensacola, FL 32501 or UWF Athletics, www.uwf.edu/give, 11000 University Pkwy, Pensacola, FL 32514.