Maurice Spencer

Maurice Spencer, 81, East Moline, went home to his Savior June 14, 2017 at Heritage Woods Assisted Living, Moline from complications of multiple myeloma with his brothers at his side.  Arrangements are being coordinated and handled by Wheelan Pressly Funeral Homes & Crematory, Rock Island, Illinois and Lewis Funeral Home, Brenham, Texas with services at Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist Church, Brenham.  Visitation 10:00 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2017.

Maurice was born the 5th of 10 children at Old Gay Hill, Texas, one of four sons and six daughters to Walter and Pearl Alcorn Spencer.  He was baptized at Main Street Baptist Church, Brenham at age 12 alongside his sister Bettye and brother Roscoe.

After graduating from Pickard High School, Brenham, Maurice joined the U.S. Airforce, retiring as Master Sergeant after 23+ years of distinguished and celebrated service, trained in Doppler radar technology serving as a radar technician working with Tactical Air Command. He enjoyed talking about the many places in the world he had traveled as a result of his military career.  Maurice was a faithful son and brother to his family, always sharing anything he had willingly and making sure needs were met.

Many people in the Quad Cities, Illinois knew Maurice from his electronics mastery working alongside his brothers Roscoe and Alvin at MARS Electronics in East Moline.  Maurice was amazing in his ability to remember people and events from earlier days, staying in touch with family and friends from Texas over the years, making new friends wherever he went.  He was an avid sports fan, with tennis being one of his favorites.  He could quote people, dates and places when it came to his love of sports.

In May of 2016, for Maurice’s 80th birthday, his five remaining sisters flew to the Quad Cities and surprised him.  The family had a birthday party at the home of Roscoe and Gloria Spencer.  When he was asked to say something at the party, Maurice said, “I’ve had a good life, I don’t need or want anything, and the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want; He’s all I need.  The 23rd Psalm is my favorite scripture.”

Maurice never married. He will be greatly missed by sisters Geneva Elliott, Odessa Howard, Reverend Bettye Damon and Janice (David) Allen, all of Texas and Barbara (Ira) Evans, North Little Rock, Arkansas; also his remaining brothers Roscoe (Gloria) Spencer and Alvin (Brenda) Spencer, of East Moline, IL.  He has one Uncle, Lawrence Spencer of San Antonio, TX and one Aunt, Vivian Odom of Oakland, CA as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Per Maurice’s request, burial will be in Old Gay Hill cemetery, where his parents, grandparents and oldest sister, Viola and oldest brother, Warren were laid to rest, along with many other family members.

The family wishes to acknowledge the kindness of Dr. Jason Davis and Dr. Shobha Chitneni, the nurses, CNAs and full staff at Heritage Woods, Moline, various doctors, nurses, CNAs and staff of Heartland Hospice, Davenport, and his new friends currently residing at Heritage Woods who showed great care and concern for the past several months and for the prayers of many who knew his family. He was also shown great friendship and loyalty at his bank.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to your favorite charity in Maurice’s name.  Notes of expression may be left at wheelanpressly.com.

 Service Information