Mary Jo Spencer Memorial Endowed Nursing Scholarship

Mary Jo Spencer grew up during the Depression in Eastern Texas. Due to her hard work and perseverance, she became a registered nurse in the state of Texas, and later in the state of California. Mary Jo served her nation during WW II as a nurse and officer in the U.S. Army. She married another military officer, and began a small family. In the early 1960’s, Mary Jo and her family moved to Riverside where she served the community for 35 years. During her 50 -year career in nursing, Mary Jo worked in local hospitals, private practices, and state correctional and psychiatric hospitals, eventually becoming the supervising nurse at California School for the Deaf – Riverside. During her years in Riverside, Mary Jo singly raised three children, ensuring that they received all of the educational benefits and emotional support that she could provide. Her two daughters became registered nurses, and her only son followed a career in law enforcement. Mary Jo Spencer was known for her generosity, friendship and caring. It is with pride and gratitude that her children established this scholarship in her loving memory.