Dr. Elbert Louis Spencer was born July 8th 1920 in Carrollton, Alabama, the first of three children born to the late Rev. Andrew Rush Spencer and Nora Staples Spencer. His two siblings (Herbert and Ruth) preceded him in death. Dr. Spencer received Christ early in life at Pine Grove Baptist Church under the pastorate of his Uncle Rev. Nathan Brooks. He was very active in Sunday school, and became the church musician and pianist, until he graduated from high school. Dr. Spencer received his early education at Pickens County Training School. In those days, all black high schools were called “training schools”, because in that era blacks were not thought of as being intellectually capable of such pursuits. However, Dr. Spencer was a stellar student graduating with honors, having the highest grade in the county for the college entrance test given at that time. He received a B.S. from Alabama State Teacher’s College where he was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., in 1940 . He taught in Brewton, Alabama as a high school teacher for a year. He was later drafted into the Army and served in WWII. After receiving an honorable discharge, he was accepted at Meharry Medical College. He graduated with honors and did a residency at Homer G. Phillips Hospital, in St Louis, Mo. and became a physician and surgeon. From Dr. Spencer’s first marriage, three children were born; Byron, Kevin and Karen. Later he met and married Bernel Mahaffey. To this union was born three children; Pamela, Joseph and Roger. Dr. Spencer practiced medicine and general surgery in Ohio and various hospitals in the Chicagoland area. His favorite hospital was Methodist Hospital of Chicago where he was Chief of Surgery. Dr. Spencer was always an avid student. After retirement he became an excellent bible student. He was able to identify the scripture and verse where many biblical passages could be found. His mother always thought he would be a preacher. Dr. Spencer was always an avid reader who made copious notes. Dr. Spencer was knowledgeable on many subjects. He had a very kind way of giving instruction without fanfare. Dr. Spencer departed this life on November 3, 2016. He leaves to mourn his passing his devoted wife, Bernel, six children (Byron, Kevin, Karen, Pamela, Joseph and Roger), grandchildren, and a host of friends and relatives.
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