Rev. Nelson Spencer was born September 17, 1933 in Ladelle, AR to the late Robert and Elizabeth Spencer. He transitioned this life on July 9, 2022 at his home. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucy, a son, James, a great grandson, Terrell Williams, Jr., and a daughter, Delois and two brothers. He received his early education at Lacey School. Rev. Spencer joined Mt. Olive AME Church at an early age. He met the love of his of life at a Church in Lacey and went on to be united in holy matrimony to Lucy Fletcher-Spencer on January 28, 1952 in Ladelle, AR alongside his brother and her sister. To this union 7 children were born, and early in his adulthood, God called him into the ministry and he went on to become a Pastor. His first charge was the Lacey Circuit, and he came to be a Pastor for over 50 years in various churches on the Crossett District and the Monticello District, and then to the Monticello/ Warren District.
During his sickness he never complained and fought hard to the end to stay positive. When he was asked how he was feeling, he would reply ''I'm alright, I'm alright,'' which would become his catch phrase throughout his sickness.
He led an exemplary life and will be remembered as a true man of God and a servant of the people, but mostly a servant of God. He called himself a traveling man, and hardly ever missed a Quarter, conference or Holy Convocation. He often travelled with his fellow ministers, who were also his good friends.
He retired as a minister at the age of 75 but continued to pastor as a super numeral pastor, and his last appointment was New St. Paul AME, Warren, AR until his health failed. Rev. Spencer loved the Lord and was man of few words, but still managed to get his point across by using his hands to further illustrate his conversation. He was filled with humility, kindness, meekness and strength, and always had a word about God whether he knew you or not whether you were in his family or not. He always had a word from the Lord to young people about their life and to never forget the bridge that brought them over and will carry them through. He had a way with children, and it would make him full of laughter and he would often slide a dollar to top it all off.
Rev. Spencer was given the opportunity to preach at an Annual Conference at Union AME Church, Little Rock, AR and captivated the entire house with a sermon entitled ''THE LORD IS'' taken from the 23rd PSALM. His favorite songs were: ''Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior,'' ''Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross'' and ''Hold to God's Unchanging Hand.
Rev. Spencer worked in the timber business most of his life, he was a Mason, and he worked for the Monticello School System after he retired from the Timber business. He was an avid fisherman and if he wasn't catching anything in a particular location he moved on up to another place and no one could keep up with him. He loved gardening and showered people so with beautiful, bountiful, & prosperous produce which he tilled. planted, grew and harvested, gathered and distributed to many in the community and surrounding areas. He was well known for his famous greens and sweet potatoes.
Rev. Spencer leaves to cherish his memories 5 children. Darron (Shirley) Spencer of Monticello, AR Roger (Sandra) Spencer of Wilmar, AR, Brenda (Oscar) Greene of Monticello, AR, Fredrick Spencer of Pine Buff, AR , and Cynthia (Russell) Norris of Benton, AR. He also leaves seven nieces and nephews whom were raised alongside of his, Sandy (Gary) of Anchorage Alaska, Gwen (David) Queen of Maryland, Robert Spencer III of Arizona, Barbara Smith of Monticello, AR Reginald (Rita) Spencer, of Crossett, AR Doby Spencer of Australia, Arnett (Felicia) Spencer of Pine Bluff, AR and one brother, Bro. Edgar Spencer of Lacey, AR. 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and three great- great-grandchildren and, a host of fellow pastors, preachers, relatives and friends.
May his legacy live on in the minds and hearts of many until we all meet again. Rest in PEACE, LOVE and HOPE, Daddy and Paw Paw, we will always love you. Give Momma a hug and a kiss for us.
Condolences(6)
Carol Hooper
Warren, AR Saturday, July 16, 2022 To the Spencer Family, I always would say Rev Spencer was my Pastor. He would always shake my hand. He was talking the day before he passed and I told him Rev I want ever forget that Sermon in LR because you preached out of your Soul that day. The Devil had to flee. He laughed and said Did I preach Sis Hooper. The next morning the Lord called him home at 1:53 am. Rev. Spencer will forever be missed. I was glad to have had that last conversation with him. He would let me know that the Lord is my Shepherd and I shall not want. RIL Rev Spencer.Katrina Cavaness
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 14, 2022 What a wonderful gentleman. I am so blessed to have worked with him for many years at the Monticello School District. He was a class act and a good friend to all who knew him. May he rest in peace with his beloved Lucy.Sherry O'NEILL-RAWLS
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 14, 2022 Coach Edgar Spencer & family: I am so sorry for the loss of your brother Rev. Nelson Spencer. May God put his arms around you, comfort you in your sorrow, and give you strength and peace. Remember that Jesus is coming soon, so this parting is only for a little while. God bless and keep you, Sherry O'Neill-Rawls (Heather's mother)Jacqueline Jones
Monticello, AR Tuesday, July 12, 2022 Rev. Spencer was a Godly manHe would visit our home weekly to check on his aunt Louella Spencer Orr. I will always cherish the memories of him
. Take your rest Rev. Spencer. You were a mighty man .
Annette Barnes
Alexander, AR Monday, July 11, 2022 Cynthia (Auntie), “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal." I am praying that the precious memories of your father overtake you and your family with floods of joy and laughter in the days ahead and that the blessed assurance of our loving Father, who makes no mistakes, will comfort your heart and give you peace. Be Blessed!Lori
Monticello, AR Saturday, July 9, 2022 I am so saddened by the loss of Mr Spencer. His smile always made my day. I am glad I was able to provide his physical therapy for the time I did. He was such a special little man! Please accept my condolences.