DEATHS

AND OBITUARIES

Perri Spencer

A memorial service for Perri Spencer, 22, who died July 11, was 10 a.m. Monday at Peabody United Methodist Church. A meal followed. Burial was in Burns Cemetery.

Born Sept. 17, 2003, in Wichita to Tom and Tina Spencer, Sarah Anne Spencer was diagnosed at age 17 with autism.

Sarah attended Project Search for a year after graduating in 2021 from Peabody-Burns High School. A journey of self-discovery led to adoption of the name Perri and use of male pronouns.

Perri’s greatest passion became advocacy. As an autistic self-advocate and supporter of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as co-occurring mental health conditions, Perri served on groups including the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Link Center Steering Committee.

Perri testified before the legislature and participated in national discussions on disability rights and supports.

Perri faced significant mental health challenges, which eventually became unbearable.

Perri is survived by parents Tom and Tina Spencer, brothers Lukas and Chris Spencer, and grandmother Patricia Nystrom.

Grandparents Robert Spencer, Patricia Spencer, and Terry E. Nystrom preceded Perri in death.

A memorial has been established with Project Search.