Venita Spellman

Venita “Chatty” Spellman, 82, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025, with her daughter and son in law by her side.

Born in Merkel, TX on July 18, 1943, she was the youngest of three sisters whom she was extremely close to. They would talk daily throughout their entire lives and her sister Wanda gave her the nickname “Chatty” which she would forever be known as with family and school friends. After graduating from Merkel High School in 1961, she went on to get a degree in general bookkeeping from the American Commercial College in 1963. She met her husband, Jerry in Abilene when he was stationed at Dyess AFB. They were married in a private ceremony on September 4, 1964, and would later adopt their daughter Rhonda, on September 13, 1968. Being a wife and mother were her greatest loves, and she was the best at both! She and Jerry traveled the world together and dedicated their lives to their family and to helping others.

Venita had several bookkeeping jobs throughout her life (and was the official “income tax expert” for numerous family members). But she was most proud of her time spent working for the Aged & Disabled with the State of Texas. She made lifelong friends and helped countless families navigate the process of applying for benefits.

She retired in 2010 after 26 years serving the great State of Texas. In retirement, she and Jerry enjoyed volunteering with Meals on Wheels and making regular trips to the casino. They took vacations with and hosted their Air Force friends for reunions each year, which they always looked forward to. They had a beautiful life together that lasted 55 years until Jerry’s passing in 2019.

Venita always had a smile for everyone, and her love showed clearly in her pretty blue eyes. Having family and friends visit her made her so happy and she was blessed to get to meet her great-granddaughter before her passing. She will be missed every day, but her legacy of love will live on forever in all who knew her.

Venita is preceded in death by her husband Patrick “Jerry” Spellman, her parents Rubert Call and Lena “Dutch” McLean, her sister Wanda Knight and brothers in law, Bruce and Grady Knight.

She is survived by her daughter Rhonda Reynolds and son in law Jason Reynolds, grandson Mason Reynolds, granddaughter Rachael McClain and her husband Jakob McClain, great granddaughter Jayden McClain, sister Joyce Knight, sister-in-law Rita Marie Sellens and numerous nieces and nephews that she loved beyond measure.