Emily Spano-Bentley was born at home in Columbus, Ga. on June 29, 1940. Her father was Italian. Emily's mother was Scotch-Irish, with some French. Emily attended St. Joseph's Academy and Columbus High School. She attended Columbus College for one year and left to go to work. Some years later, Emily became a substitute teacher. She was very much in demand. The Superintendent of the school system encouraged her to get a degree so that she could become a full-time teacher, but Emily turned him down.
From the description of Oral history interview with Emily Spano-Bentley, 2007 Oct. 4 / conducted by Morgan Carraway. (Columbus State University). WorldCat record id: 310959972