Mozelle Spelce

Mozelle D. Spelce, our loving Mama and Mammaw, was in the presence of her loved ones as she left this earth and walked into the arms of Jesus on December 2, 2023, at the age of 91.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 20, 2024 in Gatesville Texas. The family will release details on social media once the arrangements have been finalized.

She was born October 9, 1932, in Paris, Arkansas, to Fred Redding and Bessie Butler Redding. She grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where she attended New Bethel Assembly of God. Faith was a big part of Mozelle’s life. In fact, as a young teenager, she met the love of her life, Carroll Spelce, in their church. Carroll was best friends with Odell Redding, Mozelle’s older brother. To hear Odell tell it, he was the pitcher and Carroll was his first baseman; although, Carroll maintains that Mozelle is the one who chased him. Mozelle later graduated from Fort Smith High School in May of 1950.

After high school, Carroll joined the United States Air Force and the two were later married on May 19, 1951. The Air Force sent them to Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, Texas, where all three of their children were born. Throughout their 72 year marriage, Mozelle was a stay at home mom and devoted her life to her family. She was always on the go as she volunteered at church and area nursing homes, served as room mother in her children’s classrooms, and always found numerous ways to serve friends and strangers. She was an avid sports fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas Tech Red Raiders; as long as they weren’t playing the Razorbacks. When it came to the NFL, she was a Cowboys fan and a fan of Patrick Mahomes, which put the Chiefs at the top of her list. Her ultimate favorite sports teams were those her children and grandchildren played on. She was their biggest fan, and made her presence known by her loud yelling, whistling, and ringing of her cowbell. She rarely missed an event that her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were involved in.

Being a stay at home mom did not give her a fancy resume; however, she was recognized by the Governor of Texas as an outstanding volunteer of the state.  God gave her the heart of a servant and recognition was never her motive.  In her 91 years of life, it is almost impossible to list her many selfless acts of love and service and her impact on others. She truly lived up to His calling and the destiny God intended for her life. 

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her grandchildren recall memories of feeding ducks at the park, visiting nursing homes to play BINGO, sleepovers, midnight snacks, and many other special memories. The most impactful was her nighttime routine where she would go from grandchild to grandchild praying with them. After her prayer routine with them, they recalled hearing their Mammaw have her own prayer time where she covered her loved ones and family. While the grandchildren were doted on, the great grandchildren were the icing on the cake. She never let her age keep her from loving on her great grandchildren and giving them their own special attention. 

In 2019, Carroll and Mozelle moved to Gatesville, Texas. Their oldest daughter, Sandie, and her husband Edwin, assisted Carroll in caring for Mozelle due to her failing health. In June 2021, she was placed at The Meadows with Coryell Health where Sandie is currently employed. It did not take long for the staff and other patients to call her Mom or Mammaw. It was obvious that she was loved and cared for by the staff. They loved her sense of humor, quick wit, and her many entertaining stories. She came full circle from calling Bingo at the nursing home to becoming a resident player. Her impact at Coryell Health was evident by the many caretakers who came to visit her in her last few days of her life on this Earth. The family was moved emotionally as they watched the staff express their love for Mammaw.

Mozelle was proceeded in death by her parents Fred and Bessie Redding, 3 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.

She is survived by husband Carroll Spelce of Gatesville, Texas; daughter, Sandie Brooks and husband Edwin of Gatesville, Texas;  daughter, Rhonda Cooke and husband James of Lubbock Texas; and son, Steven Spelce and wife Leah of Lubbock, Texas. She is also survived by grandchildren: Jarrod Brooks and wife Shelley of Humble, Texas; Christa Hitt and husband Justin of Gatesville, Texas; Ashley Colwell and husband Andrew of Fredericksburg, Texas; Christon Cooke and wife Candiss of Lubbock, Texas; Joel Cooke and wife Joslynn of Midland, Texas; Haley Cole and husband Antoine of Lubbock, Texas; and Kendon Cooke of Lubbock, Texas. She is also survived by 13 great grandchildren and countless bonus children and grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Coryell Health. From the ambulance ride, to the ER personnel, and to being admitted to the ICU, our mother and grandmother was treated with the upmost of care. Not only did they care for our Mammaw, but they treated our family like royalty during the most difficult days of our lives. We are extremely grateful for Dr. Kornman and his team at Coryell Memorial. They were a God-send to our family and provided the most excellent care for our Mammaw. The family would also like to thank Scott’s Funeral Home in Gatesville for their care and assistance during our grieving process.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you consider making a donation in her memory to The Meadows where Mozelle was cared for in her last years of life. Checks can be mailed to The Meadows Activity Fund in memory of Mozelle Spelce at 110 Chicktown Road, Gatesville, Texas, 76528.