Birdie Clara Spencer, devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, mentor,and surrogate mother to many; fought the good fight, kept the faith, and finished her race on Dec. 30, 2010, in Baton Rouge, La.

She was the eldest of five children born to Leomy and Carter Smith on Oct. 9, 1921, in St. Joseph, La. Birdie was a licensed hairstylist and cosmetologist, operating Birdie’s Beauty Shoppe for more than 65 years. She lived a life of service to her family, church and community.

She is survived by her daughter Claretha Spencer McKay; six grandchildren, Rufus McKay Jr., Jacqueline Mims (Rufus), Carol Williams (James), Kim McKay, Dean McKay and Sidney Dixon (Ana); 19 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Cecile Woodson; a host of nieces (especially Phyllis Smith Anthony), nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Delores Spencer Newball; two grandchildren, Darrell McKay and Melanie McKay Straughter; and two great-grandchildren, Dean Wayne Johnson, and LaQuittia Mims; two brothers, John Smith and James Brown; and two sisters, Hannah Smith and Mary Smith.

Lakeview Memorial Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.