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Obituary For Delzora Murray Spencer
Delzora Murray Spencer,97, of Edward, North Carolina entered eternal life on Thursday, January 15, 2026 in
A graveside service and interment will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Murray Cemetery. The cemetery is located adjacent to the Spencer home at 4292 Bonnerton Road, Edward, NC.
A repast will follow at Phenel Chapel M.B. Church190 Stilley Town Road, Blounts Creek, NC.
Delzora Murray Spencer was born on August 28,1928 to Reverend John Murray and Delzora Tuten Murray, in Beaufort County, NC. Her mother died when she was a young child, and she was then raised by the only mother she ever knew, her sister, Essie Moore whom she lovingly referred to as Mama. She learned to cook, sew, garden, tend to livestock, and keep house. Most importantly, she learned to love the Lord.
Delzora graduated high school in Beaufort County NC, where she met and married her husband, James Isaac Spencer. They wanted to live where they would receive the best opportunities for success, so they moved to Brooklyn, New York where they made a home and raised their four children Carolyn, James Jr., Linda Faye and Little Delzora.
Delzora learned to set rhinestone jewelry. Her work was so impressive that she created pieces that were sold in markets in New York City. It was not easy to raise a family in the civil rights era, but over the next twenty-five years, with her faith, strength, and sense of humor, she and James set each child on a firm foundation before returning to their beloved homestead on the “Sand Hill” in Edward NC. When she returned home, she dedicated her time to the Pamlico County Headstart program for pre-school aged children. She flourished in the school system, and students, parents, and co-workers loved her dearly. She was honored and recognized with various plaques during her career. Many of her former students lovingly visited her throughout her lifetime.
Delzora was always known as “Mother”, or “Sister”. She was always there for her family, friends, and community. She was there for her siblings and in-laws, many of whom spent time in her care in their aging years. She was there for her community, serving up hearty and delicious meals at special occasions. She was there for her church family at Phenel Chapel M.B.C. in Blounts Creek, NC where she served in several capacities. Everyone knew that “Mother Spencer” was going to tell it like it was. She also was civic minded and taught her children the importance of being registered voters. She volunteered at her local polling sites and was proud to be there when the first black president was elected. She was there for all of her dogs and cats, especially Rafferty, her first German shepherd, Zachery , Barack and B.C. (Bad Cat).
Delzora could find humor in most situations and even laughed at herself when declining health sent physical challenges her way. She spent her final years with her daughters and left a 97-year legacy of love, wisdom, and strength. She was preceded in death by her husband, James, two sisters, Della and Essie, nine brothers, John Jr., William, Odell, Elwood, Thomas, James, Harold, David, and Burnice, and by two children, Carolyn and James Jr. Her loved ones left to carry her legacy are daughters Linda Faye Reese, and Delzora Able (Charles), four Grandchildren, Yancy, Arthur, Melvin, and Laurean, eight great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and close family friends.
She was “always there” for all of us and we will miss her
A PAID OBITUARY
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Condolences & Tributes
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Thank you for teaching us the importance of Family, Faith,Community Love! We will keep these first and preserve the legacy that Grand PaPa began. Your warmth, strength and devotion has passed to us and we WILL preserve it through grief, sorrow, illness and yes even INCLEMENT WEATHER. You are back on the Sandhill where you lived, loved ,were nurtured and respected. You continue to live in all of us. We love you Mother!!! Psalm 73:26
May Almighty Father God bless and comfort the family 💖💖🙏💖🙏💖🙏💖
Sorry for your loss. May her memory be a blessing.
Linda, Delza & all the family. My sincere condolences to each of you. Mrs. Del was a remarkable woman. I truly missed going to her house & spending time with her as she shared so much wisdom with me, often over a slice of Honeybun Cake. As a kid growing up in Edward, my family loved the Murray Family & the Murray Family loved the McCabe Family, especially Bue (Odell) Murray. He was Always around. We would look up at any giving time & here comes Bue on his tractor. My dad, (Wm. Earl McCabe, Sr. as far back as I can remember...always hung around the Murray boys. What a wonderful childhood memory for me. The Murray Family...Mrs. Del being the last of that immediate family, ends a story of a beautiful family that we all loved. May Peace & Blessings be with you all going forward with Love.❤️🌷🕊️
She will be missed, I looked forward to seeing her whenever I came home. A big help to me after Carolyn passed.
My Deepest heartfelt condolences go out to the family.. Such a sweet person may you rest in paradise...
My deepest condolences to you all. Grandma Delzora was a "One of a kind" woman whom loved all she came in contact with. She had a lot of knowledge about everything and her advice was priceless. Grandma Delzora will be truly missed by all. To the family, I pray for comfort and strength to each and everyone of you just not today but all the following days. God Bless
She was a sage who dispensed wisdom for the ages and for everyday life. We will miss you Momma
Our Prayers of Comfort and Condolences to the family of Mrs Delzora Spencer, as she R.I.P. in the arms of God! 🙏🏾🙏🏽🌹🌹❤️❤️
My deepest condolences to the family's! She truly will be miss. I never when home and didn't stop by. She was so funny and kept something's gonn on. Keep your hand in God hand 🙏🏼
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
