Carrie L. Spence

Our beloved, Carrie L. Spence, (100) of Elizabeth City, NC departed from this earthly life on July 19, 2021. 

​Life Celebration Services will take place on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, Elizabeth City, NC. A viewing will take place at Memorial Missionary Baptist Church on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m

Carrie met her beau Melvin in North Carolina and united in holy matrimony on November 19, 1938. From this Godly union, 11 children were born - seven boys and four girls. For over 50 years, they created a loving home full of joy and laughter. They raised their children to have strong family values and were always taught to take care of each other. Carrie spent many days teaching her daughters how to cook and continue creating her delicious traditions in southern cuisine. Through her example, Carrie Lee displayed the etiquette and grace of being a virtuous woman; showing her sons God’s favor upon a wonderful wife. She is abundantly blessed with 24 grandchildren and 106 great-grandchildren. Her third generation of grands are far too many to count, but her legacy continues to grow each year.

Shortly after marriage, Melvin and Carrie became the proud owners of a local community grocery store. This store became one of the best fish markets in town. Carrie was affectionately known as “mama” to the community. She loved her community, and everyone who came near her house always knew they could receive love and a “good” meal. She especially enjoyed caring for children. She happily cared and reared her own children, as well as those in the community. Her house was always full. While her cooking brought together many friends and family, she was teaching her family to cherish time together.

Carrie’s christian faith led her to find membership at Memorial Missionary Baptist Church. Here she introduced her children to Jesus and remained a faithful member until her departure. She was a deaconess, member of the Mother’s board, and later became the oldest member in the church. She was honored and revered for her dedicated service to the ministry. She frequently enjoyed visits from her pastor, Rev. Joseph Turner, who would sing hymns with her during their visit. Carrie Lee’s pride and joy was sharing the love of Jesus Christ. 

She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Melvin Spence Sr., her parents, three sisters, Edna, Jessie Lee, and Phylis, one brother Riley (Bubba) and three sons, Curtis(Eddie Boy), Jimmy Rae, and Wayne Spence. 

She leaves to cherish her memory four daughters, Audrey (Elbert) Blount, Ruby Mae (Ben Lee - deceased) Jones, Deaconess Barbara (Deacon John - deceased) Sessoms , Deaconess Betty Melvina (Trustee Raymond) Jones, four sons, Melvin (Mary) Spence Sr, Trustee Calvin (Charlotte) Spence, Deacon Ronald (Deaconess Sheila) Spence, Tony (Bernadine) Spence and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Stallings Funeral Home will be assisting the Spence family with excellence and care during their time of bereavement.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carrie L. Spence, please visit our floral store.