Mother Barbara M. Spencer

EARLY BEGINNINGS

    Born Barbara Myrtle Spencer, her life and times began in Golts, MD on January 26,

1941, to the parents Elwood and Mamie Spencer. On March 29, 2024, Mother Barbra

Spencer departed this world as she entered it, with a smile on her face and at peace

with the world.

    Mother Spencer grew up in Golts where she attended a one-room school before

relocating to Belvedere, DE. Golts is a little country town to some, but to those born and

raised in the area, Golts was and will always be “home.” Mother Spencer felt strongly

connected to her roots and always referred to her birthplace as “going down home.”

    As a teenager growing up in Belvedere, Mother was intrigued by city life. She attended

Absalom Jones School and would years later become instrumental in the organizing of

the Absalom Jones All-Class Reunion. It was in Belvedere where she was given the

nickname “Bip-Bop.” A name given to her because she would be on the dance floor of

the Belvedere Fire House all night, dancing to the tunes of Sam Cooke, Mary Wells, and

Motown Hits of the 60’s and 70’s. Many people from Belvedere knew her by no other

name than Bip Bop.

    Immediately following Absalom Jones, she went on to attend Conrad High School,

where she was one of a few students of color. She continued her education at Ohio

State University; Delaware State College; and the University of Delaware.

    Mother Spencer was a purposeful visionary with a caring and compassionate zeal that

resonated with everyone, everywhere. She had a spirit of giving, with a passion and a

hustle that was woven into her being. Her personality and her drive to help others were

second to none. In her senior yearbook (1958) from Conrad High School, she stated

that her ambition was “to make everyone happy and reach the highest point in life”.

    Mother Spencer excelled at uplifting her family and friends and supporting them through

their trials, tribulations, and rewards in life. She made it her mission to enrich and

improve the lives of everyone within her reach. Every person was important to her, and

she endeavored to make you feel the uniqueness and qualities within you.

At an early age, she became a single parent committed to her role as “Mom” in raising

three girls, Renee,’ Rochell, and Rhonda. She was their first and most important

teacher…caring, compassionate, and structured. Because she understood the

obstacles and stereotypes of being a single parent, she was motivated and compelled

to help others in similar situations to become a success story. Despite adversities, she

never let obstacles of any sort deter her from providing for her girls and exposing them

to a better way of life. One of her many quotes that she often shared with her children

was ”Because we live in the projects it doesn’t mean that the projects live in you.”

HER JOURNEY

The Activist and Community Servant

    By the early 1960’s and during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Mother

Spencer was an activist, demonstrator, and supporter of the Movement. She was an

active participant during the March on Washington (1963); the Poor People’s Campaign

(1968); and the Wilmington Riots of 1968. She was an involved parent in the Wilmington

Public School System, where her children were students. She was particularly engaged

during the implementation phases of desegregation, where she let her voice be heard.

Nothing moved or motivated Mother’s spirit and drive as much as supporting “her

people.” Regardless of the path she took or whom she “rubbed elbow” with, she never

wavered from a call or demonstration for action for the underserved, less fortunate, or

those impacted by social injustice.

    Mother Spencer received numerous accolades, awards, and recognitions for her work in

the community; as a minority business owner; for her activism and community service

efforts; and as a faithful member of the church. Recognition included those from the City

of Wilmington, the State of Delaware, the University of Delaware, the NAACP, the

Wilmington Public School System, and other civic and religious organizations.

    In January 2009, Mother Spencer was gifted with two premier tickets to attend the first

Inauguration of President Barack Obama. The moment was pivotal for her as she

reminisced on the early years of her life; participating in the civil rights movements;

protesting injustices and equality for all people; and seeing her hopes and prayers come

to fruition with the election of a United States President that looked like her.

    Mother Spencer was a self-taught decorator and event planner who will forever be

remembered for her meticulous ability to set a table and decorate a venue. Her taste for

excellence was impeccable and had a lasting impact on many who watched, listened,

and learned. . She played an integral role in the interior decorating during the

restoration of the Redding House Museum and Community Center. We believe her to

be right now telling the angels how to clean a house, fold a napkin, and set a table. She

spent countless hours and much of her own finances ensuring events were well-

celebrated and that guests were pleased with the outcome. She took gratification in

seeing others successfully take the reign; knowing that she had input in their guidance

and direction. It mattered not if you wanted her input, she would give it to you just the

same and it was all in love.

THE ENTREPRENUER

    Mother Spencer was a domestic worker and cook for private families in Delaware and

Pennsylvania; a teacher’s assistant and social worker in the Wilmington Public School

System; and a Parent Coordinator for the Head Start Follow-Through Program. After 15

years of working for others, she took a leap of faith and left the school system to

become an entrepreneur. With $4.83 (enough to place an ad in the newspaper) in her

pocket, a mop, broom, and bucket of Mrs. Spencer’s Housekeepers, Inc. was underway.

Despite the adversities and challenges of starting a business, coupled with being a

Black female with no experience, no capital, and little encouragement to succeed, the

emerging growth of the business was formed. The business operated in the tri-state

area as one of the best residential house cleaning services. Concentrating on what

were clearly her best talents (organization, tenacity, directing/managing) Mrs. Spencer’s

Housekeepers operated for 32 years until Mother Spencer’s retirement in 2007.

Ironically, some of the same families that she worked for as domestic workers would

later become customers of her business.

The Faithful Servant

    In 1975, Mrs. Barbara turned in her dancing heels for her shouting shoes. She joined

the Mother Church of God in Christ, under the tutelage of Rev. Ross B. Rainey, and

started praising and shouting to the gospel music of Rev. James Cleveland, Rance

Allen and Rev. Aaron Moore.

    In 2004, Mother Spencer joined Manna Christian Fellowship Church, under the

pastorship of Rev. Aaron R. Moore. At Manna, she worked tirelessly to prepare the

church and congregation to host various programs and celebrations. She was always

ever-present for Senior Day, MCFC Anniversary, and Pastor’s Anniversary. In 2005, she

planned and coordinated the epic Women in Crowns luncheon to honor women in New

Castle County who have overcome struggles or made a positive impact in their

communities. Though she held leadership positions in several capacities at Manna, it

was her work with the Mothers Board and the Senior Ministry that brought her the

greatest joy. Being from the ole school, she relished and understood the honor, respect,

and prestige associated with the title “Church Mother” and she made efforts to ensure

others appreciated, honored, and respected the role.

HER STYLE

    Mother Spencer enjoyed dining out (fine dining as well as neighborhood eateries) and

was a regular at many local establishments, including Libby’s, Knotty Pine, Evelyn’s,

and Hollywood Grill. She would drive for hours to try out a new restaurant and delighted

in the opportunity to take others along for company. Mother Spencer had her own style

and many talents to accompany her personality. No matter when or where you saw her,

she was always wearing a hat (brim, baseball, derby, and big fancy COGIC styles). She

would get her hair done and leave the hairdresser with a hat on; much to the dismay of

the beauticians. Hats were her signature apparel, and she wore them well.

HER LEGACY

    Barbara M. Spencer was not the most-timely person; in fact, she was never on time.

Yet, on March 29, 2024, she was situated in the right place and at the right time to hear

God’s call. Waiting for her timely arrival were her parents, Elwood, and Mamie Spencer;

siblings, Loretta Spencer, and Charles Spencer; niece, Valerie Waters; and besties,

Phyllis Jackson Edwards, and Alice Carter Harris.

The woman of profound faith, grace, and dignity, Mother Barbara M. Spencer, leaves an

indelible legacy of love and dedication to her children, Renee’ Spencer (Brian), Rochell

Spencer, and Rhonda Spencer-Sams (Zack); grandchildren Najja Hajj-mak, and Micah

Spencer (Zikkiyah); great-grandchildren Gavin Wynn, Aria Mack, Ibrahim Johnson, and

Neelam Johnson; a devoted sister Dorothy Waters; sistah girlfriend for life, Evelyn

Martin Ward; nieces, nephews; cousins, Manna Christian Fellowship Church; and a host

of family, friends, and other loved ones.

The sound of her assertive, domineering, passionate, and caring voice will never be

heard again. Yet, her most memorable quote resonates loudly and is forever etched in

our hearts and minds….

I Love You and Ain’t Nothing You Can Do About It