By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

HAMILTON - Carol A. Spencer, an editor for South-Western/Thomson Learning in Mason, died Thursday at Bethesda North Hospital of an apparent pulmonary embolism.

The Hamilton resident was 40.

"She had the brightest smile," said her sister-in-law, Pamela Spencer of Orland Park, Ill. "All it took was two minutes in a room with her and you loved her. I'm not just saying that because she's my sister-in-law; the first time I met her she just made me feel welcome."

Ms. Spencer loved to cook; and when she wasn't in the kitchen, she was helping someone.

She "always gave of her time, her treasure and her talent to anyone who was in need," her sister-in-law said.

A native of Frankfort, Ms. Spencer received a degree in English from Kentucky State University. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and the Church of the Good Shepherd in Frankfort.

In addition to her sister-in-law, survivors include her mother, Anna Hickman Spencer of Frankfort; a brother, John Spencer of Orland Park, Ill.; and two sisters, Brenda Spencer Johnson of Lexington and Deborah Spencer Cannady of Columbia, Md.

Visitation is 4-8 p.m. today at Harrod Bros. Memorial Chapel, 312 Washington St. in Frankfort. The funeral is 10 a.m. Wednesday at Church of the Good Shepherd, 1050 Leestown Road.

Burial follows in the family plot at the historic Frankfort Cemetery.

Memorials: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 250 Dallas, TX 75244.

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E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com