Carolyn Virginia Spence

Carolyn Virginia (Spellman) Spence departed this life at Greater Baltimore Medical Center on Friday, March 17, 2006 after a lengthy illness.Carolyn was born in Camden, NC. on June 1, 1940, the fifth child of eight children to the late Flossie (Mercer) Spellman and the late Herbert Spellman. She was reared in Camden and educated in the Camden County Public School System. While in school, she was an outstanding student active in the Glee Club, and many other activities. Carolyn graduated in May 1957 from the Marian Anderson High School. She attended the Community College of Baltimore where she received a certificate in child development.In 1959, Carolyn married William Henry Spence, Sr. To their union five children were born. Carolyn had a zeal for life and God’s work. At an early age, she was baptized at the New Sawyer’s Creek Baptist Church in Camden, NC. Carolyn sang in the choir with her sisters the Spellman Creation and, also with the N.C. Heavenly Echoes gospel group. In the 1960’s Carolyn moved to Baltimore with her family. Later she joined the Ebenezer Baptist Church where she sang on the choir and served in other activities. She was the President of the Missionary Ministry at the Mt. Zion Hill Baptist Church and served with the Beatrice L. James Feeding Ministry under the Possibilities Place Christian Ministry directed by Minnie Washington. Later in her life in 2002, joined the New Psalmist Baptist Church. She was also a wonderful person who loved to cook, a singer with a glorious voice, and a seamstress who made many beautiful garments for family and friends.Carolyn lived a life that touched many, many people that allowed her to bless others with her ability to share motherly love. She shared her caring affection with others beyond her immediate family and extended her affection to others that she knew needed her loving touch. As her children grew older, she was employed by U.S. Life Credit Corporation. She retired early to assist with the care and nurturing of several of her grandchildren and her deceased sister’s grandchildren. Later she resumed working as a Care Provider for The Chimes, Inc. until her illness.We mourn the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend. Left to cherish her memory and to celebrate her heavenly eternal life: children-Zelda Spence, Pikesville, MD; Williams Spence, Jr., Parkville, MD; and Ruth Edwards (adopted daughter) Baltimore, MD; one brother, Lawrence Spellman, Elizabeth City, N.C.; four sisters, Doris L. Blount, Baltimore, MD. (She was predeceased by one brother, Earl Spellman, Sr. and one sister, Ruth Spellman Branch). She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Alberta Gallop, Portsmouth, VA; and Lillian Spellman, Elizabeth City, NC; two brothers-in-law, Andrew Branch, El Paso, TX; and Edward Tyler, Oakville, CT; one son-in-law, Dirrell Covington, Rockingham, NC; two daughters-in-law, Brenna Spence, Anchorage, AD; and Cynthia Spence, Cockeysville, MD; two aunts, Beatrice Mercer, Brooklyn, NY; and Theresa Spellman, Moyock, NC; one uncle, Percy Ellis, Portsmouth, VA. She also leaves eight grandchildren; Devin, Dontay, Latoya, Kyle, Brandon, Victoria, Aaron, and Christopher; three adopted grandchildren; Mecca, Adrian and Shavon, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins friends, and co-workers.

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Carolyn Virginia Spence

June 1, 1940 - March 17, 2006