Lola M. Spence

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10LOLA MAE WILLIAMS, “Doll” affectionately called by many was born in Camden NC to the late Miles and Ella Gregory Williams. Lola had seven siblings; Ruth Bell, Frances, Minnie, Sophia, Miles, Jr, Austin and Wilbert, all pre-deceased her. Lola received her education in Camden county, NC public schools.Lola was united in holy matrimony June 1925 to the late Roy James Spence, son of David and Roxie Spence. From this holy union, there were seven children: Catherine Evelyn, Roy Winzola, Hilda Maxcine, Christine Ophelia (deceased), Clyde Shelton, Norman McCoy and Consta Willa. Roy and Lola Spence raised their children in a God-fearing home and taught every one of them the power of prayer. The Spence children were taught to give thanks to God each morning, before each meal, and before going to bed each night. We have fond memories of gathering together for family prayer each Sunday morning and 6:00 p.m. each weekday. Although we were showered with love, Roy and Lola spared not the rod in most instances. We were taken to Sunday School and taught the ways of the Lord from infancy to adulthood.The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil; she will do him good and not evil all the days of her life (Proverbs 31:11-12). “Lola Mae”, as her lifetime companion called her, accepted life’s challenges gracefully early in her life. Her spouse, who was considered handicapped, was unable to do many things that other men could do. Lola assumed the additional responsibilities, always striving to provide the best for the family and ensure their happiness. Mother’s unselfish love extended well beyond her husband and children. As far back as our respective memories travel, we remember Mother assisting with the rearing of two of her brothers and one sister, along with our cousins. While we were growing up there were often cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers that Mother reached out to help. It can truly be said that she gave joyously from her heart just for the sake of giving. She stretched out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy (Proverbs 31: 20).Mother was not a woman content with idle time. During the early part of her life, she demonstrated culinary skills in her famous chicken and dumplings and mouth-watering sweet potato pies. She also exhibited phenomenal skills in such tasks as picking cotton and anything else associated with farming. She took in laundry for other people, as well as cleaning houses. Her list of employment includes working W.P.A, making clothes for the states’ needy; a school lunchroom service, the Airport during World War II, a men’s clothing factory. While in her late 60’s Lola completed the required Red Cross/CMA certification program for the state of Maryland and became a private duty nurse. Her last job at age 88 was as a senior aide for the Housing Authority of Baltimore City. “She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planeth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengthened her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.” (Proverbs 31:13-19).In 1944 Lola and Roy Spence relocated to Delaware to improve the quality of life for their children. At that time, many of Lola’s children were grown and Mother continued to assist her children when necessary with the rearing of her grandchildren. Her son, Roy will always revere her for her enduring strength during his illness of two years. In 1951 our parents again relocated, this time to Baltimore, Maryland. Because of strong familial ties of the Spences, most of the children followed. The family residence, 2937 Clifton Avenue continues to be occupied by third and fourth generation family members. Lola ministered as Church mother for approximately 50 years beginning with, Full Gospel Holiness Church of Lincoln Delaware under the pastorate of Bishop David Shockley, were she initially accepted Christ. After moving to Baltimore in 1951, she briefly attended Carter Memorial Church on W. Fayette, Reverend Carter, Pastor. Being led from that assembly to Prayer House of Our Father with Mother Irene Montgomery, she established her Apostolic roots. Elder and Mother Spence met Brother Ernest Gilliam, Sr. and Sister Winnie Gilliam in 1952, along with many other pioneers of the Faith at that great saving station, on High Street. It is there in 1959, that God gave Mother Spence the vision to assist with the establishment of ST. PAUL APOSTOLIC HOLINESS CHURCH, INC., with Elder Ernest & Pastor Winnie Gilliam and her companion, Elder Roy Spence as the assistant Pastor. Services were held in a building on the corner of N. Broadway and Federal Street. July 1, 1962, they relocated to their current location at 1725 E. Baltimore Street. Mother Spence served as Church Mother to St. Paul for approximately 40 years. In her latter years, she saw the need to Worship with her son, Bishop Roy and daughter-by-marriage, Pastor Bessie Spence at CHRIST TEMPLE HOLINESS CHURCH. It should also be noted that in her Eighties, Mother Spence completed a theological course at the St. Paul Bible Institute, under Dean David Wilson. Upon completion of the course, she received honorable mention because of her accomplishments to score one of the top grades in her class at her age.The repertoire of Mother Spence’s favorite testimonial songs include, I Love Jesus - He is My Savior, I Will Trust in The Lord, Yes, God is Real, and I Am So Grateful. Lola Mae was blessed to drive her own car until October of 2001 as well as reside in her own apartment until her health began to fail in February of 2002. When she was unable to continue her independent life style, she consented to live with her son, Clyde and daughter-by-marriage, Jean. As her health continued to decline, she was relocated to HEARTLANDS – ST. AGNES NURSING FACILITY. Because of her godly influence and the diligent prayer life of such a great matriarch, all of Mother Spence’s children, children by marriage and many of her grand children are saved today. “To God Be the Glory for the great things He has done through her life!” The family of Lola Mae Spence, who will always cherish such great memories are; Catherine and Lorenzo Mercer, Philadelphia, Pa., Roy and Bessie Spence, Pikesville, Md., Maxcine and Jimmie Ball, Baltimore, Md., Clyde and Jean Spence, Columbia, Md., Norman and Emma Spence, Clinton, Md., Consta and Mack Williams, Rosedale, Md.; thirty three (33) grandchildren, one hundred-five (105) great grandchildren, ninety-three (93)great-great grandchildren, six (6) great-great-great grandchildren; two (2) sisters-in-law,Bernice Spence of Charlotte, NC and Ida Williams of Baltimore, one (1) god-son, Elder Joseph B. Wilson, one (1) god-daughter; Zina Smith, daughter-in-the-gospel, Pastor Winnie Gilliam, an abundance of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, church family and friends. Know that you were all special and loved by Mother Lola Mae Spence.

Tributes

Lola M. Spence

March 30, 1909 - August 23, 2002