Marcia Ellen Spence

A Life Well Lived

Sunrise

“For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him.” -1 Samuel 2:27 NKJV

Marcia Ellen Spence was born in Mountainside Hospital in Glen Ridge, NJ on November 28, 1947 to the late Walter Sinclair Callender and Rozeline Wilkins Callender. She was the oldest of two children born to this union: and the first grandchild of Leslie and Helena Garnes Callender, and James Arthur and Nellie Fletcher Wilkins. She was a ‘favored’ daughter and granddaughter that grew to become an integral part of the Bloomfield Community. It has been stated that she was ‘the glue’. As each generation transitioned, Marcia became the family matriarch. Our memories are flooded with images of her, Michael, and Butch being watched by Big Ma (Grandma Nellie) as Marcia kept the rest of the children quiet so Big Ma could watch her ‘stories’. She was a leader in her youth and adult life.

Education

“How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.” -Proverbs 16:16 NKJV

Marcia thought education was the most important gift you could give yourself. She valued it greatly and encouraged those around her to invest in themselves through learning. Having been raised in Bloomfield, NJ she attended Nishuane Elementary (Montclair) and Demarest Elementary School (Bloomfield); was a member of the first class of North Junior High (Bloomfield Middle) and graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1965. As a lifelong learner, Marcia was a voracious reader and had a passion for history. When the opportunity arose, she eagerly sought to learn new skills and techniques. Marcia achieved her goals and graduated from the Essex College of Business with an Executive Secretary Certification.

Labor

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, (v.24) knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ.” -Colossians 3:23-24 NKJV

Wherever God sent Marcia, she was a bright light for all whom she encountered. Her smile, kind demeanor, and infectious laugh endeared her to her ‘work family’ and co-workers. She mentored others and believed in the youth of the community. She helped provide 1st job opportunities and training for many African-American men and women.

Marcia’s first job was at Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company in Newark. Additionally, she worked a part-time job in the evening at Bamberger's in the toy department so she could save money to go to Business School at night. In 1974, she began her 36 1⁄2 years of service working for the City of East Orange, New Jersey. Marcia began her tenure as a Clerk Stenographer with the Department of Neighborhood Facilities (Department of Recreation). She held various clerical positions throughout her tenure. It was a source of pride to her grandchildren that she also served as the executive secretary to Althea Gibson, a professional tennis player and golfer - who once served as the Director of Recreation in the City of East Orange. Their eyes and faces were full of awe and pride as their ‘Momma Marcia’ was recognized at the dedication of the Althea Gibson Statue located at Soverel Park in East Orange, NJ. Marcia was later promoted to Principal Account Clerk in the Department of Finance - Division of Accounts and Controls. She retired as an Administrative Clerk from the Department of Finance - Division of Accounts and Controls, on February 11, 2012. Being of West Indian descent and raised by parents with impeccable work ethics, Marcia had a lot of ‘hustle’. She was an entrepreneur and maintained her own Mary Kay business. While she gave more than she ever received, she was often creating baskets and making deliveries for birthdays and holidays alike.

Marriage, Children, and Grandchildren

“For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” - Ephesians 5:31 NKJV

Marcia was a devoted and loving wife to Bishop Roland Spence. You seldom saw one without the other. Having acknowledged that marriage is a ministry, they spent quality time enjoying their combined and individual interests of domestic and international travel and celebrating and hosting family gatherings that included summer cookouts, family trips to Dorney Park, New Year’s Eve celebrations, Christmas morning breakfast, a family cruise to Italy and Greece; and calling or

‘laying eyes’ on friends and family in whatever city/town they visited. Marcia and Bishop blended their families with their union on October 2, 1982. Tangi, Roland, Jr., and Robert welcomed James in 1984; and together, they became leaders and protectors of their younger brother. They are the living manifestation of the unconditional love and acceptance that has been poured into them. Marcia and Bishop were particularly proud of their surrogate son, Yolande McCalister, and their nine grandchildren. She spoke of their accomplishments often and delighted in searching and purchasing items as she scoured through numerous shops for clothing, games, and toys. Together, Marcia and Bishop have helped and supported many parishioners, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. DNA was not required to become an integral part of the Spence family. Seeing ‘family’ through the lens of God enabled them to enlarge their territory and be eternally blessed.

Ministry
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, (v.24) knowing that from the Lord you will receive the

reward of the inheritance; for[a] you serve the Lord Christ.” - Colossians 3:23-24

Marcia was selfless and generous; always giving back to the community and others that poured into her spirit. She delighted in doing for others in need. Food bank items, fruit, and clothing were frequently picked up and hand delivered to all who were in need. From youth to adulthood, Marcia was a member of New Light Baptist Church serving in various capacities during her season of service. In adulthood, Marcia served as a Deaconess, a Trustee, a Minister’s Wife, and an Officer in the Beautifying Club.

As Bishop’s ministry grew, Marcia became the First Lady of St. Matthew’s Baptist Church of Jersey City. She later helped Bishop Spence establish St. Peter’s Christian Church of Jersey City (Annex: Bloomfield, NJ). Knowing the importance of engaging in fellowship with other believers and members, Marcia was infamous for preparing and serving meals after worship. She walked with a servant’s heart showing her love for God daily through her works.

Marcia was a charter member of the Agape Ministers’ Wives & Widows (MWMW) Fellowship, a local chapter of the New Jersey Association of Ministers’ Wives and Ministers' Widows, Inc., the Northeast Region; founded on August 28, 1993. Additionally, she was a life member of the State and International Association of Ministers’ Wives and Ministers’ Widows. During her years of service, she was a former President, Vice-president, Recording and Financial Secretary, and Cheerio for the Agape MWMW Fellowship; the Budget Chair and Assistant Retreat Director for the New Jersey Association of MWMW, and a former Corresponding Secretary for the Northeast Region.

Sunset
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. - 2Timothy 4:7 NKJV

Once Marcia invited you into her heart, you remained forever. Her grandparents, aunts and uncles were her ‘bonus parents’; thus, we give an account for their lives, too. She is preceded in death by her grandparents; Leslie and Helena Garnes Callender, and James Arthur and Nellie Fletcher Wilkins; her parents, Rozeline Wilkins Callender, and Walter Sinclair Callender, Sr.; her brother, Walter Sinclair Callender, Jr (Butch); her great-aunt, Marguerite Garnes; her aunts and uncles, John Sidney Wilkins, Sr., Florence “Flo” Rubeola Randolph (Harry Frank Randolph), Helen “Honey” Wilkins, Anna Mae Howard (Ernest Howard), James “Stumpy” Wilkins, Raymond Wilkins, Margaret “Midgee” Stephens; two sisters-in-love, Gertrude Snell, Patricia Dorothy Kimbro; and one brother-in-love, Clarence Daniel Spence.

She leaves to cherish her memory, a loving husband, Bishop Roland Spence, Sr.; four loving children, Tangi Tamara Acquay (John Kojo Acquay), Roland Spence, Jr., Robert Christopher Spence (Tishika Lashon Spence), James William Spence; one surrogate son, Yolande McCalister; nine devoted grandchildren, RyAnn Cemone Spence, Elijah Keshawn Allen Spence, Jaylen Leshawn Spence, Isaiah Zaire Spence, Aiden O’Neal Yaw Acquay, Semaj Messiah Spence, Noah Nassir Spence, Zaire Josiah Spence, Marley Roz’Lynn Spence; two sisters-in-love, Marilyn Rose Billings (Samuel Billings), Grace Beverly Saunders (Howard Eugene Saunders); two aunts, Gloria Elizabeth Wilkins, Margaret (“Peggy”) St. Clair Louise Clyne (Darrell “Freddie” Clyne, Sr.); three daughters in-love, Kesha Stowe-Spence, Asia Thompson Spence, Kathy Alicia Dixon; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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