James Howard Spencer

James Howard Spencer, 82, of Senatobia, Mississippi, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 9, 2023.

James was born on September 26, 1940 to Lester and Velma Kimzey Spencer.

As a son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, James dedicated his life to serving everyone he met. He valued each and every person he knew. James grew up in the small Mississippi Delta community of Sledge, where he met the love of his life, Shirley Branch. Her faith in Christ inspired him to begin attending church services with her at Hollywood Baptist Church, where he was later baptized. From that time on, every aspect of his life was dedicated to serving his Savior. James married Shirley in the same church where he was baptized, and their wedding day was the beginning of a beautiful life together. Shortly after they were married, James was called upon to serve in the United States Army, which provided him the opportunity to live in Germany and travel across Europe. After returning home, he worked at ChromCraft Furniture until his retirement. He also served as a member of the Lions Club and frequently delivered meals to homebound friends and members of his church. James’s pride, however, was in raising his family. He loved and guided his three children through every season in their lives, encouraging them to love their families, friends, and communities with a Christlike love. James cherished his grandchildren above all else. He taught them to grow flowers and produce in his annual garden, pushed them on the swings, and drove them around on his trusty John Deere.

James’s example of love and service was a testament to his faith in Christ. For forty years, he faithfully taught Sunday School classes at First Baptist Church in Senatobia - the church where he raised his family, served as a deacon, and volunteered with the youth prayer breakfast. James’s greatest hope in life is that each person he met would follow Christ as their Lord and Savior. He believed that God created us for his glory, but that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Though we deserve punishment for our sin, God, in his great mercy, sent his only Son Jesus Christ to provide for sinners the way of eternal life by his death on a cross. Praise God, eternal life is the free gift of God’s grace to all who trust in Christ as Lord and Savior. Because of God’s gift of salvation, James is now rejoicing with his Savior. His hope was that one day, you will be reunited with your Savior, too.

James is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Velma Kimzey Spencer; brothers Clark Spencer and Arthur Spencer; and sisters, Joy Childress and Bonnie Woolfolk.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of over 60 years, Shirley Spencer; his three children, David (Lindsay) Spencer of Morgan City, LA, Allen (Stefanie) Spencer of Parker, CO, and Missy (Johnny) Avant of Water Valley; MS; his grandchildren, Jon David Spencer, Bethany Spencer, Austin Spencer, Aubrey Spencer, Ally Avant, Anna Mills (Reed) Tyler, Parker Avant, Samantha Billiot, Braden (Amber) Billiot, Allie (Gavin) Lombas, and Madison Billiot; his great-grandchildren, Amelia Spencer, Samuel Hussey, Miles Hussey, and Luka Hussey; and his nephews Chris (Cassandra) Spencer, Tommy (Stephanie) Spencer, and Brian (Lauren) Spencer; as well as other family members and cherished friends.

The funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church of Senatobia (317 S. Ward Street, Senatobia, MS 38688) on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 1. The family will receive friends and visitation an hour and a half prior to the service, starting at 11:30, Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church of Senatobia.

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