Heaven gained a treasure on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, when Judy Spencer-Marsicano arrived rejoicing. Born January 13, 1946, in Pocola, Judy left this world at the age of 79 in Alma, surrounded by her loving family. Judy was the youngest of nine children born to Ruth Belle (Pearson) and William Paul Reeder, joining siblings Harold, Roger, Billy Dan, Paul, Hiram, Donna, Gary, and Gail. Growing up in Pocola, Judy attended school there, and as a self-proclaimed tomboy, she was a driven student and a competitive athlete in both basketball and softball. Her perfect attendance was notable, thanks in part to her mother working in the school cafeteria.
Judy married Emmett Spencer and was the proud mother of three children, Barton, Sonya, and Rhonda. After Emmett’s passing in October 2012, she continued her journey solo until she found love again and exchanged vows with Joseph Marsicano in November 2019. Together, they walked their journey until she finished her race.
Judy was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. Above all her accomplishments and deeds, the most important was her commitment to Christ Jesus in August 1977, making Him her personal Lord and Savior. She was truly radically saved and engaged in a lifelong walk with Jesus, leading others to the cross through ministry and her testimony of faith.
As a businesswoman, Judy was the first female certified sales contractor in Arkansas and Oklahoma for the Haynes Siding Company, where she worked side-by-side with Emmett. She also obtained her lifetime Cosmetology License and successfully opened her own business. Together, they owned and operated a bible bookstore, bridal shop, and daycare. Most importantly, she was always about her Father’s business. Her salvation experience launched many decades of evangelical work on the mission field, both domestically and abroad. Judy faithfully prayed and supported the move of God when revival broke out in Checotah in 1999 and continued into 2000, being a willing vessel and allowing the Holy Spirit to have His way. As a result, many hundreds were saved from across the USA.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents; brothers; sister, Donna; husband, Emmett; son, Barton; and bonus son, John.
She is survived by her husband, Joe Marsicano of the home; a sister, Gail Fox of Van Buren; daughters, Sonya Lovelace and husband Roger of Rudy, and Rhonda Travis and husband Jeff of Alma; and a daughter-in-law, Amy Adams of Coweta. She leaves behind six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, plus one on the way in November. Through her union with Joe, Judy was also blessed and is survived by three bonus daughters, Paula Brown of Yakima, WA, Karen Gehring of Hutchins, KS, and Patti Robertson and husband Tim of Oklahoma City, multiple grand and great-grandchildren, plus many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at Heritage Church in Van Buren, with burial to follow at Steep Hill Cemetery in Fort Smith, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home.
The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 11, 2025, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Joshua Academy at 1901 Liberty Lane, Van Buren, 72956 or www.joshua-academy.org.