Spencer King Stephenson

Spencer King Stephenson, our much-loved son, brother, grandson, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend unexpectedly slipped into eternity and into the arms of loved ones and his Savior early in the morning on March 4, 2024. He was born after much anticipation on January 13, 1999, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Scott and Debra Stephenson. Spencer was welcomed into this world by five excited siblings as the youngest brother. He would be followed by his youngest sister. 

He grew up in Stansbury Park, Utah, living there until the 8^th grade and then in Orem until his passing. At Mountain View High School he ran cross country and studied Russian. He was a student at Utah Valley University, majoring in botany and minoring in Russian. In 2023 he received an associate degree in biology while still working towards his bachelor’s degree. UVU has graciously awarded him his bachelor’s degree posthumously, which was an announcement of great comfort to his family as he had worked so hard and looked forward to this accomplishment. We wish so much we could celebrate it with you, Spencer.

He had a brilliant and inquisitive mind and a special aptitude for learning languages. In the same semester he took Russian and Chinese, excelling in both. He was fluent in Russian and in his most recent job was able to utilize this skill, conversing with native Russian speakers living in the U.S. Spencer also composed music on the piano, enjoyed singing, and attending musical performances.

Spencer loved this earth and had an intense appreciation for all its wonders. He was a born explorer and wanted to experience the entire globe. He had endless fascination and curiosity for learning everything he could about plants, geography, geology, space, cultures, languages, …everything in this earth and above it. He would pursue serious study of each new interest, becoming highly knowledgeable in it.  He had a special fondness for palm trees, growing them from seedlings, tropical plants, and was currently nurturing 34 beautiful orchids. He would often refer to his plants as his “babies.” 

His beloved dog Sadie was also his “baby” and was so often by his side.

Spencer had a most tender heart. He deeply loved his family and friends. He had unusual compassion and acceptance towards others. He desired to serve the most marginalized and those on the fringes in society. He valued and honored the unique qualities in all individuals. His example of generosity and kindness will long influence our family.

In earlier years he had lost faith in God and questioned even the existence of a Heavenly Father, but in this past year, during difficult challenges, he gained a new love for Jesus Christ, and felt that Christ alone understood his sorrows. He rekindled his belief in God. He often spoke of praying for needed blessings and help.

Spencer is survived by his parents, his six siblings: Suzanne Stephenson (Fiancé Bobby), Hillary Stephenson, Giselle Wright, Forrest (Brooke) Stephenson, Zachary (Sadie) Stephenson, and Emmalyn Stephenson, and nieces Sydney, Harper, and Liv and nephews Isaac, Sage, Hudson, Crew, Finn and Hayes. Also, his grandparents, Dennis T. and Sue Utley, and numerous uncles and aunts and cousins who make up a large and loving family who he grew up with and spent many happy times. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Sidney King and Rita Stephenson, his uncle Brian Utley, and his cousin Alex Utley. 

Spencer, you are deeply loved and missed. Our cherished memories with you have not ended. We know that we will embrace you again and we long for that most joyous day.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 8,2024 at 11:00 am in the Orem Lakeridge 5^th Ward Chapel located at 950 S 50 E in Orem, Utah. Prior to the service there will be a viewing for family and friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery.