Melissa Beard

On May 12th Melissa "Sissie" Spencer-Beard quietly passed away in her sleep and transitioned to her heavenly home. Melissa was born on December 3, 1955 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Giles and Lillie Ruth Spencer. She embraced the Lord at an early age. At age 3 or 4, she often visited various churches as a guest presenter with her father who was a deacon in his home church. Melissa fondly remembers loving to recite the 23rd Psalm during her presentations. In 1970 Melissa became a member of Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries. She was an active member in various Women's Ministries. She enjoyed working with the women as a Master Life Discipleship Colaborer for over 3 years. In addition to her service in the Women's Ministries, she participated in the Wholly Singles Ministry and various church committees. Melissa attended Catholic elementary and high school in Memphis, Tennessee and Chicago, Illinois. After her father's death, she moved back to Baltimore, attended and graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Baltimore, Maryland. She attended the University of Maryland—Baltimore County (UMBC), transferred to Towson State University and graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Later she went back to University of Maryland -School of Social Work to receive her Master of Social Work Degree, graduating with a straight "A", 4.0 Grade Point Average and Summa Cum Laude. While in college she was on the National Dean's List, a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. She was awarded a Certificate of Achievement from the University of Maryland in recognition of exemplary academic accomplishments. In addition, she was listed in the "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges". Melissa's two older brothers, William Reginald Spencer and Melvin Spencer, preceded her in death. Melissa leaves to cherish her memory: her two very devoted brothers, Giles Anthony Spencer and Merrice Spencer; nieces and nephews, Veleka Esters and husband Eric Esters, Sr., William Reginald Spencer, III and wife Michelle, Jamal Spencer, Monique Spencer, Alexis Spencer, and Charmaine Spencer; great nieces, Erykah Esters and Tatiana Spencer and Courtney Spencer; great-nephews, Eric Esters, Jr. and Jordan Jackson; uncle and aunt, Walter and Lena White who assumed the mother role for her sister's children after her passing; former husband, Marvin Beard; and a host of cousins and other family members and friends.

Tributes

Melissa Beard

December 3, 1955 - May 12, 2015