October 27, 1933 - May 30, 2020
Bobbie Jean King Spencer was born on October 27, 1933 in Camden, Arkansas to the late James L. King and Elizabeth King Caviness. She was the fourth of six children. Bobbie attended grade school in Camden. She accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her savior at an early age and she was baptized at the St. Paul Baptist Church in Camden. Bobbie was well known for her love of music and she sang in the Youth Choir. One of her favorite hymns was “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”, and one of her favorite passages of scriptures was the 23rd Psalm.
While attending Lincoln High School she was a cheerleader, and she graduated with honors as the salutatorian in 1952. After graduation from high school, she enlisted in the United States Navy. She served two years activity duty. While in the Navy, she meet a fellow sailor, Curtis R. Spencer, and they were married in 1954. This union was blessed with (7) children: six sons and one daughter. As a Military family, they relocated multiple times throughout the Country. So much so, that each child was born in a different state of the country. After her first husband retired from the Navy, the family eventually settled in East Palo Alto, California.
Bobbie was a devoted wife and mother. While living in East Palo Alto, she joined the Open Bible Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Edward Butler. While raising a family, Bobbie worked a variety of jobs, including “stay at home mom.” Once her children were old enough and responsible, she started working as a School Bus Driver. In 1977, Bobbie starting working for SamTrans as a county bus driver. She worked there for approximately 10 years before retiring.
As an “empty nester,” she relocated ultimately back home to Camden, Arkansas. She lived there until the onset of the disease Alzheimer’s. In 2008, Bobbie moved back to East Palo Alto where she lived with her daughter and primary care provider. She joined the Faith Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Floyd J. Purdy, now pastored by Rev. Robert L. Cowan.She enjoyed participating in Bible Study, Sunday School, Prayer Meetings and the worship services.
Most people who knew her would characterize her as a strong willed and independent woman. She would often insist on things being done a certain way- her way. They would also say when Bobbie gave you her word, you could “take that to the bank.” After a long battle with Alzheimer’s and the other health complications, Bobbie was called home to be with the Lord on May 30, 2020.
Bobbie is preceded in death by her sisters: Katherine Renix Cook, Shirley Brewster, her only brother Charles Renix and her daughter-in-law Jillian Spencer.
She leaves to cherish her memories her sisters: Gradie Moore (Camden, Arkansas.), Mary Langley (Arkadelphia, Arkansas.); all her children: Curtis R. Spencer, Jr. (Tonyeil) of Parker, Colorado; Alvin Spencer (Joyce) of East Palo Alto, California; Derrick Spencer of Magnolia, Arkansas; Carlos Spencer (Wanda) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Sonja Spencer of East Palo Alto, California; Dwight Spencer of Hampton, Virginia; Kyle Spencer of East Palo Alto, California; her (21) grandchildren: Agyemang Spencer, Akilah Spencer (Mark Riggs), Aisha Spencer, Dulani Spencer (Lisa), Jason Spencer (Keyana), Rebecca Spencer, Carlos Andre Spencer, Shuan Moore, Keyana Spencer, David Dukes (Roberta), Tyone Dukes, George Dukes, Tara Dukes, Niara Spencer, Kamilah Spencer, Bakari Spencer, Shakira Spencer; (14) great grandchildren, and one more on the way; (4) great-great grandchildren; (1) goddaughter, Iris Henry, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends and additionally her beloved Faith Church family.