Elect Lady Contessa Jaurodi (Toon) Spencer, 61, of Middletown, passed away on January 6, 2021, in Newport Hospital. She was the wife of Pastor Richard C. Spencer, Sr., and the 1st Lady of The New HBC Worship Center, Newport, RI.
Bullet, as she was nicknamed by her father, was born in Kings County Hospital, Brooklyn, NY, on September 15, 1959. She was the daughter of Early E. Toon, Sr. of Lexington, NC and the late Lois (Jarmond) Toon of New Bern, NC.
In addition to her husband, Elect Lady Spencer is survived by their children, Denapalee S. Spencer of Charlotte, NC; SFC Richard C. Spencer, Jr. and his wife Ramona of Fort Benning, GA; Johnnie E. Spencer and his wife Sheila of Middletown, RI; and David S. Spencer and his wife Desiree of Tarboro, NC; as well as their eleven grandchildren. She is also survived by her father Early E. Toon, Sr.
Elect Lady Spencer also leaves to mourn her brothers Earl E. Toon Jr. and his wife Carla of Dallas, TX; Cedric R. Toon with his wife Yvonne of Manhattan, NY; a sister, Tanya Tirado of Grand Prairie, TX; and one brother-in-law, Johnnie F. Spencer, Jr. of Tabor City, NC . Coming from a large family, she leaves several brothers and sisters, two uncles, her "God-Mother" Pastor Thelma Francis Nelson of Brunswick, GA, numerous cousins, and nieces and nephews. Elect Lady Spencer is known and called "Mama Tessa" by many spiritual sons and daughters.
Elect Lady Spencer was loved by so many and leaves behind a legacy of unmovable faith in Christ, loving all people and living a life that exemplified her belief in the Word of God. She impacted her family, church and community through ministry, teaching, preaching, singing and leadership. She was known for her praying, caring, loving, honest, genuine, warm, welcoming and motherly spirit. Not a single soul would want for comfort while in her presence and that endeared her to all. Her presence was so powerful and influential, that all of these qualities have been passed on to her children, grandchildren and many others who loved her and were touched by her; her moral insight and strength of character will live on for a very long time.
Visitation and graveside services will be private in accordance with current Covid-19 restrictions. However, both services will be livestreamed at http://link.memorial/Spencer. Internment will be at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter, RI. Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be sent to: The New HBC Worship Center, 229 Maple Ave., Newport, RI 02840.
Tributes
Nina Gaddy wrote on Jan 20, 2021:
"Words can not express how much my sister means to me. When me and Ganelle lost our mom. You took it upon yourself to make sure you check on us. Its alot I can say. Growing up I heard your name soo much from my mom. She loved you. And now you are with her. I love you so much. I told you every chance I got that I love you. Thank you for bring that true big sister. A person I can look up to as a hero. Talking to you was a breath of fresh air. Always speaking the word. I love u so much. We were supposed to see each other this year. God wanted you more. But I will see you again. I\'m praying for al your kids and husband. Especially Star. I know how it feels to lose your best friend. I love u all. God bless."
Cedric R. Toon wrote on Jan 20, 2021:
"Words can\'t Express, the way I feel. Do know that I LOVE YOU. You are and was always my biggest Cheerleader. I will honor always.
I Love You Bullet!!! ??"
L’ORÉAL HARRIS wrote on Jan 20, 2021:
"My heart is hurting. Can?t believe you are gone. I love u big sis. Words can?t describe how you will be missed. Family we have lost a great piece to our puzzle. Love u all. LaShea, LOreal Harris and family. "
Odessia Daniels wrote on Jan 20, 2021:
"To the Spencer family,sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.She is now at Jesus feet praising His Holy Name and singing in His Heavenly Choir. Contessa will be missed but, not forgotten. Love Odessia and family "
Lois (Platts) Robinson wrote on Jan 20, 2021:
"To the Spencer Family, my deepest condolences. I met Contessa years ago when our kids were in school together. Contessa had a very sweet spirit about herself. As years passed on we would bump into one another and that same sweet sprit was still there. Contessa got to know some of my struggles in life with a sick husband and the lost of my son. She always express her concerns and give me words of encouragement. There was just something special about Contessa. Her beautiful smile and upbeat self. I find it so hard to believe that my sister in Christ has claimed her wings and has gone on to be with our Lord. I will miss Contessa, but I will continue to carry her memory within my heart. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 "
Tiarra Toon-Frazier wrote on Jan 19, 2021:
"A artist put this together for me using old photos. Trust me...Aunt Tess is in good hands because they were waiting for her. As you can see her mother Lois Rachel, Aunt Tess, great grandmother Alvania aka ( Ma Ma) and grandmother Rosa Lee with their wings and now she has hers. We maybe sad that she is gone but not forgotten. We should find comfort in knowing that she is at peace and going to be just fine."
Nellie Jones wrote on Jan 19, 2021:
"To the Spencer Family, Contessa was not just my sister in Christ she was a REAL friend. We shared many hours on the phone, talking about life\'s problems, searching the scriptures for answers, and praising the name of Jesus in song. Contessa loved Jesus and could help you understand the word of God. I believe that I will see her again if I live right. She isn\'t suffering or in pain, she is finally free of all the cares of this world, she is free in Jesus. She will be loved Always and sadly missed. Nellie Jones & Family"
Thelma M. Nelson wrote on Jan 19, 2021:
"To The Spencer Family......When you lose your Mom, you loss a good friend too and we pray that lifetime of warm and loving memories will help ease your sadness. Thinking of you and knowing that our loss is heaven gain. We will miss our beautiful and loving cousin Contessa, may God be with us.The Nelson Family"
Thelma M. Nelson wrote on Jan 19, 2021:
"My Dear Beloved God Child Contessa.....I will miss you beyond words, all the special conversations and I could feel your wonderful smiles on the phone, one day we will meet in God\'s heaven, never again to be apart. Rest on my Child, you are with the Lord now and will always be in my heart. I love you dearly, your God Mama Thelma Nelson."
Deacon Robert & Deaconess Jean Ricks wrote on Jan 19, 2021:
"David and Desiree and Family, our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Please know that your Eastern Star Missionary Baptist Church Family, Tarboro, NC is thinking of you and praying for you.
Deacon Robert and Deaconess Jean Ricks "
Shanta Spaulding wrote on Jan 19, 2021:
"My heart is heavy my dear sweet cousin Contessa....you will never be forgotten because you hold a sweet spirit in my heart. I remember the last time you called to tell me how much you appreciated me for always doing great things with our Godmother....whom is a wonderful woman of God. To God be the Glory Love Shanta Spaulding and Family???? So glad we had some wonderful times together??"
Apostle Shawna Lathan wrote on Jan 18, 2021:
"My continued prayers for the family as you grieve, but know this one thing...you have an authentic legacy, a real Mother, Teacher, and Intercessor who prayed for you. She didn?t relent on her duties as a Mother, wife, or friend. Her Grace presented itself before she arrived on the scene as God?s Glory on the earth.
Opposition didn?t stop her or give her an excuse to quit, but pushed her further into the arms of her Lord. May that Grace carry you through in Agape Love.
Apostle Shawna Lathan
S.L.P.M.I., Spring Lake, NC"
Phyllis Willoughby wrote on Jan 18, 2021:
"To David , Desiree, Ationne & the entire Spencer Family,
We're thinking of you all & praying for strength, comfort & peace today & the days to come.
Trustee JT & Sis Phyllis Willoughby
Easter Star MB Church
Tarboro NC "
Todasco Toon Taylor wrote on Jan 18, 2021:
"I struggle to find words to describe the emotions and extreme grief that overwhelmed me on January 6, 2021 upon hearing about the passing of my cousin Contessa (Bullet). We grew up together, and talked for hours on the phone.
Bullet was loving, kind, strong woman of faith and I know she is resting with our Lord and Saviour.
Star, Ricky Jr., Johnnie and David ---- your mother was a "true jewel" to all that knew her. She always talked to me about how proud she was of all of you. I pray you all can find solace in knowing she is watching over you from Heaven above.
Jr., Toot and Cedric --- Both Denise and I know the pain of losing a sibling. We pray that you will cherish and hold dear to your hearts the precious memory of your sister. Having grown up together, she was a sister to us as well.
Ricky, Sr. --- Thank you for loving my cousin (sister) and know that my heart is broken, and that others truly share in your loss. It is both Denise and my sincere hope and prayer that the day will come when the memory of Contessa will bring a smile to your face, before a tear to your eye..........
Good Night Bullet, I'll see you in the morning. "
Toot Toot ⚘ wrote on Jan 17, 2021:
"My Dear Baby Sister,
I was Always your Toot Toot? and U was Always my Bullet ?.
I Miss U so much, especially our all day long talks 4 days a week.
My Heart ? is broken ? and aching so bad knowing I won't be able to hear your beautiful voice anymore singing or U Praying for me.
We use to sing this song to each other,
U and I will never part,
U will Always be in my Heart ?.
Love ? U Always My Bullet ?
Your Toot Toot ?
Smooches ?
"
Stephia (Phila) Jacobs wrote on Jan 17, 2021:
"Contessa. A beautiful name for a beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. A true lover of the Lord our God. She gave a voice to the words of God all her life. It is because of my Sister that my walk with the Lord became straight and true. We may not be of the same bloodline but the next best thing is that Spiritual line. Thank you my WONDERFUL Sister, I love you from the deepest depths of my heart. I will miss our late night talks and laughter and cries. I thank our Lord God for our paths meeting. Rest my sister.
Stephia Jacobs
Montezuma, GA."