Bernice (Jones) Spence

Bernice (Jones) Spence was born on January 24, 1935, to the late Bamon and Eva Mae (Smith) Jones in Greenville, Alabama. The family moved to Verbena, Alabama, during her early years. She later made her home in Clanton, Alabama, where she met and married the late Arthur Robert Earl Spence, Sr. To this union, eight children were born. 

Bernice accepted Christ at an early age as a member of the Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Verbena.

She later joined The Well – Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Clanton, under the leadership of Bishop Larry and Lady Theresa Sailes, where she sang in the choir and served on various ministries. She had a steadfast love for the Lord, and her life was a testament of strength, wisdom, and unwavering faith within the church and the community. She remained a faithful member until her death; “well done thy good and faithful servant!”

Bernice attended The Verbena Colored School and later The Chilton County Training School. Her genuine compassion for people led her to a career in nursing. Despite having no formal training, she enjoyed a long career in the nursing field. Her work history included positions with Dr. Kent Johns, Dr. Phillip Foshee and the Chilton County Hospital. She was a cornerstone of her community, always ready to help anyone in need.

She transitioned peacefully on Thursday, March 26. She was preceded in death by her husband; her son, Martin Luther; two grandsons, Antonio and Issac; her great-grandson, Michael (MJ); and her brother, Charlie L. Jones.

Celebrating her life and memories are her children Mildred (Mike) Crosby of St. Petersburg, FL; Blynda (Ray) Abercrombie of Maplesville, AL; Tonya Bulger; Randall J. Spence both of Clanton, AL; Eva Marie Fortune of Detroit, MI; Robert E. Spence, Jr.; Albert L. (Bernice) Spence both of Clanton, AL; two sisters, Callie F. Peasant of Detroit, MI; Mae West Zeigler of Verbena, AL; one brother, Benjamin Jones of Cleveland, OH; twelve grandchildren, Kapri, Tiffany, Latoya, Stephanie, Shaterrica, Shawn, Apollos, Gabrail, Emanuel, Itaveus, Clarence and Alyssa; thirteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; special friends Zadie Rogers, Lois Lee, Bishop Larry and Lady Theresa Sailes; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bernice (Jones) Spence, please visit our floral store.