Delzora Spencer

Obituary For Delzora Spencer

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 public viewing will be held 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, in the Cassie Coote-Brown Memorial Chapel at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home, 909 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27401.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Phenel Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 190 Stilley Town Road, Blounts Creek, NC 27814. Visitation will be held prior at 10:00 a.m.

Burial will follow at John Murray Cemetery, 4292 Bonnerton Road, Edward, NC 27821.