James Douglas Spencer's Obituary
Rev. James Douglas Spencer was born October 25, 1947, to the late Mrs. Elsie D. Spencer Humphries in the Mississippi Delta town of Money, Mississippi. He was the eldest of eight children. He accepted Christ at an early age. On Saturday, June 6, 2026, he was called from labor to reward.
He attended elementary school in Money and when he was in the seventh grade the family moved to Ruleville, MS where he graduated from Ruleville Central High School. After graduation he was awarded an academic scholarship to Alcorn A&M College-later renamed Alcorn State University--where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Biology.
While attending Alcorn State, Rev. Spencer met the love of his life and lifetime friend, Annie Bell Shelby. They were joined in holy matrimony in 1972 and later, became the proud parents of a daughter, Shaughnessy.
He joined the congregation of China Grove MB Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. B. L. Shelby, where he remained a faithful member throughout his life.
He was drafted into the Army on the day he completed requirements for graduation from Alcorn. He was trained at Fort Polk, Louisiana and from there he was shipped to the Republic of South Vietnam, where he did a one-year tour of duty. Upon his return, he continued his military career as a Special Agent in Criminal Investigation.
Following his retirement from military service, Rev. Spencer devoted himself to ministering to the homeless and marginalized through Stewpot Community Services. There, he conducted chapel services, offered spiritual guidance, and provided encouragement to countless individuals. Even as his health declined, he continued to share the Gospel and uplift those around him through his ministry at Stewpot.
In May of 2012, Rev. Spencer was called into the ministry to preach the gospel, he was ordained 2 years later, He received a Master's Degree in Christian Studies from Wesley Biblical Seminary and Certificate in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University, His hobby was amateur radio where he held a general class FCC license. He had confirmed contacts with 89 countries.
He was preceded in death by his mother Elsie Spencer Humphries; stepfather Grant Humphries; brothers Melvin (Diana) McChriston and Marvin Humphries; and sister Beverly (Eairn) Turner. He leaves to mourn: his wife, Annie; his daughter Shaughnessy (Curley Ill) Page; his 3 grandchildren, Carnell Matthews, Cierra Page, and Curley Page IV; a great granddaughter, Solana Matthews; brother, Clement; sisters Alice Spencer, Patricia (Sherman) Henton, and Kathy (Bob) Cooper; and a host of brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
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