Mae Spencer

Follie Mae Spencer was born into a loving family on October 21`, 1925 to the late James and Catherine Mungo in Chesterfield, South Carolina. She was the youngest of nine children. With her family by her side, early in the morning of January 9, 2016, at Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care she accepted the Lord's call to come home at the age of 90. Mae, as she was known, received her early education through the South Carolina Public School System. After moving to Baltimore in 1959, she completed her education in the Douglass High School's evening school program. She was married to the late Jimmie Lee Spencer who preceded her in death in 1992. They had two daughters, Carolyn and Marietta. At an early age, she accepted Christ and was baptized. Two things were most important to her: her faith and her family. It was her faith that brought her to Baltimore in 1959 with $13.50 left after purchasing three one-way tickets for herself and her girls. She arrived at her sister Nasiree's home with no job and no job prospects. Mae quickly made herself familiar with the neighborhood by walking in every direction until one day she found an employment agency on Druid Hill Avenue and was sent to her first job. She was sent to a second job where she worked for many years. She retired at the age of 72. After a month in Baltimore, her faith moved her and her daughters into a furnished apartment, from which they would eventually move into a home that she paid for. She would go to work in all kinds of weather, sometimes having to clear her way to the bus stop. In all of her efforts, she believed that she could do all things through Christ who strengthened her. (Phil. 4:13). She would kneel by her bedside and pray with her daughters by her side as she took her burdens to the Lord in prayer. She demonstrated Matthew 18:20 which states, "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." She enjoyed reading her Bible and read different translations. She was a member of Bethel AME for over thirty years but she also enjoyed visiting different churches. When her mobility became an issue, she joined the 700 Club which she watched faithfully and supported financially. Mae was devoted to her family and especially proud of their accomplishments. She always wanted on her daughters to become a teacher and the other to become a nurse. Sure enough, Marietta became a teacher and Carolyn became her primary caregiver when she retired. She was their best friend, confidante, advocate and cheerleader. She doted on her granddaughters Rhonda and Amy and enjoyed spoiling them. She was grateful to witness the birth of her great-grandchildren, London and Luke. They gave her a new name (Nana) and a renewed sense of purpose and interests. At age 72, she became their babysitter which she continued until age 82. Luke made her interested in sports while London sparked her interests in all things academic. Like her daughters and granddaughters, she also taught them how to pray. She enjoyed the company of her late sister, Nasiree and her family. They worshipped together and travelled "back home" together to visit their siblings and their families. She loved gospel music and enjoyed shopping with her family. She and Carolyn traveled to visit family in South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York City. She had a special relationship with her son-in-law Albert who was committed to her care. She was also fond of London and Luke's dad, Leonard, who also called her, Nana. She loved talking to her niece Lenora who called her every day from South Carolina just to hear her voice. She developed a special relationship with her caregivers, home physicians, and the pharmacist at Walgreen's drug store. Family and friends would say that she was filled with wisdom which she freely shared with all who listened. She left an indelible mark on all of those with whom she shared her story. Mae leaves to mourn her daughters, Carolyn Smith (Albert) and Marietta Spencer; granddaughters, Amy Spencer and Rhonda Smith (Leonard), grandchildren, London and Luke Smith. She is also survived by one brother Willie Mungo (Malinda), one sister-in-law, Mae Ruth Mungo, thirteen nieces, eight nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews. Siblings Ethel, Flonnie, Nasiree, Cora, Grover, Frank and Booker T. preceded her in death. In-laws, Geraldine, Geneva, Louise, James and David also preceded her in death.

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Mae Spencer

October 21, 1925 - January 9, 2016