Beverly “Bev” Wilkinson Spence of Saginaw and Point Lookout, Michigan

Beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully at the tender age of 97 with her family by her side on Saturday, June 17, 2026, at her Point Lookout summer home. Beverly Wilkinson was born on January 7, 1929, in Flint, Michigan, to the late Richard Seldon and Ida Elgin (Case) Wilkinson.

She was a graduate of Arthur Hill High School and proudly attended Central Michigan University. She met the love of her life, Arthur “Bud” Matthew Spence Jr., through her best friend Marilyn who happened to be Arthur’s cousin. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on December 29, 1948; he preceded her in death on July 4, 2008.

A homemaker throughout her life, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family, embracing her roles as a loving wife, devoted mother, and cherished grandmother with grace, kindness, and unwavering love.

Bev civically served her community as a volunteer with the Junior League of Saginaw where she spent countless hours championing civic engagement, youth education, and women’s leadership.

She was instrumental in organizing fundraisers to develop the Saginaw Children’s Zoo, using her innate ability to connect with people to obtain both individual and corporate donations.

Bev had a passion for gardening and took great pride in creating beautiful, colorful gardens that reflected her vibrant spirit.

Her little piece of heaven was spending time with her beloved family and at her home at Point Lookout.

Bev will forever be remembered for her grace and class, her loving and nurturing spirit, and her remarkable ability to understand, forgive, and put the needs of others before her own. She faced life’s challenges with strength and determination. Her selflessness, kindness, and unwavering compassion touched the lives of all who knew her.

Surviving are two children: Arthur “Todd” (Beth) Spence of Point Lookout; Cindy (Mark) Anderson of Saginaw; eight grandchildren: Stacy (Meg) Spence, Jessie Ann Spence, Spence Anderson, Bryan Anderson, Taylor (Eric) Whelton; Matthew Tompkins, Jaime Zimmerman, and Meighen Zimmerman; 10 great-grandchildren: Colin, Jonah, James, Anna, Landen, Ava, Tristan, Mara, Roman, and Kinsley. Also surviving are countless nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur “Bud” Matthew Spence Jr; parents, Richard and Ida Wilkinson; two sisters: Patricia Zolinski and Barbara Waugh; and a great-nephew, Philip Todd.  

Honoring Bev’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life led by her family will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, MI 48603. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Heartland Hospice, Saginaw Children’s Zoo, and the Point Lookout Improvement Company Memorial Fund. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.