Bishop Robert R. Spencer, 53

BERLIN, Md. - Bishop Robert R. Spencer died Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, in the University of Maryland Medical Systems, Baltimore. He was 53.

Mr. Spencer was born in Salisbury, son of the late Grover Lee and Aline (Johnson) Spencer.

He was a graduate of Stephen Decatur High School and received a certificate in Culinary Arts from the Career Technology Center in Worcester County.

He was formerly employed as a chef with Ocean City Yacht and Country Club and at the time of his death was employed with Schooner's Restaurant in the Princess Royale Hotel, Ocean City. He was also employed with Catering By Ali, Ocean Pines.

Mr. Spencer was the pastor and founder of Partakers of Christ Ministry, Berlin. Prior to becoming a pastor he was a member of Higher Hope Temple, Salisbury.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Barry Lee Johnson in July 2006.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Spencer; seven children and a daughter-in-law, Dywon and Nyoka Mumford of Salisbury, Afrika Spencer of Delmar Del., Qwenttecia Spence of Snow Hill and Martesha Spencer, Niesha Hammond, Dechond Mumford and Robert "BJ" Spencer II, all of Berlin; four sisters and a brother-in-law, Joyce and Mustapha "Ben" Silla of Washington, Brenda Wise of Selbyville, Del., Cassandra Johnson of Lincoln, Del., and Cynthia Johnson of Georgetown, Del.; an aunt, Gladys Waters of Snow Hill; five grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today in Calvary Pentecostal Church, Bishopville.

Services will be noon Saturday in the church.

Burial will be in Williams African Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery, Newark.

Arrangements by Jolley Memorial Chapel, Salisbury.