Reflections of the Life of Minerva Marie Spicer

"The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear" (Psalm 27)

Our beloved mother, Minerva Marie Spicer, passed away peacefully in her home in Hampton, Virginia, on August 4, 2025, at the remarkable age of 100 years old.  She was born on June 26, 1925, in Tarboro, North Carolina, to Adeline Gorham Atkinson and Aaron Atkinson, and grew up in Greenville, North Carolina.

Mother confessed Christ at an early age and had a deep Christian faith. She was the "Church Mother" of Fountain of Living Water Church where she regularly attended until her health prevented her.  Mother Spicer often reminded her loved ones to pray to God and be grateful to God for all things.  Two of her most frequent sayings were, "Pray, because prayer changes things and keep moving".  When someone asked how she was doing, she would often say, "I'm thankful".

Mother was the beloved wife of the late MSG (Ret.) Mansfield M. Spicer, Sr.  She was an exceptional homemaker.  While he served decades in the U.S. Army, she lovingly raised their children and cared for others as if they were her own.  She gave her entire life to the service of her family with boundless, nonjudgmental love and unwavering sacrifice, patience, and perseverance.  Mother was incredibly wise and a great listener.  She would provide excellent advice and share words of wisdom.  She was the epitome of sophistication, grace, humility, and warmth; always ready to forgive anyone's mistakes, and just as eager to ask for forgiveness, for she was the Peacemaker.  Mother was also truly loved for being "The Secret Keeper".  When you tell her something in confidence, her lips were seal as tight as Fort Knox.

One of mother's most impactful characteristics was her ability to inspire others to believe in Jesus Christ, themselves, and their ability to succeed.  Although she was unable to complete her own schooling due to the circumstances of her era, mother deeply valued education and instilled that passion in her children.  She would often say, "If you can read it, you can learn it".  Through her encouragement, determination, and unwavering belief in their potential, she inspired each of them to pursue learning to the fullest.  She would often say, "You can do anything you want to do, and be anyone you want to be if you don't give up".  Her legacy lives on in the knowledge, curiosity, and love of learning she nurtured in her family.

Mother Spicer radiated warmth.  Her beautiful smile and deep hugs were a blessing to all who knew her.  Her kindness and thoughtfulness extended to her neighbors.  She was diligent about keeping in touch with relatives and friends of all ages, calling, "Just to hear your voice," she would say.  Her memory was remarkable; well into her nineties.  Mother could recall the birthdays of family, many relatives, and friends, across generations.  She was known for giving one dollar for every birth year with birthday cards.

Her favorite hobbies were dancing, singing, baking her delicious sweet potato and pumpkin pies, which family and friends alike enjoyed from her blessed hands.  She had a youthful spirit.  She enjoyed playing Bingo and traveling.  She amazed all of us at the age of 81 when she went jet skiing and water gliding in Hawaii!

Mother is preceded in death by her husband, MSG (Ret.) Mansfield M. Spicer, Sr., her brothers Bryant, Frank, Aaron, and Raymond Atkinson, and grandson, TaHa McBride.  She leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Mansfield M. Spicer, Jr. (Dr. Margaret Spicer), Vera Spicer Wyatt, Sophronia E. Spicer, Delcina Malika McBride, Bishop Rev. Dr. Cyronose D. Spicer, Sr. (Rev. Dr. Catherine Spicer), and Pastor PerSina Spicer Atkinson; nephew Ronald L. Spicer (Ruby Spicer); cousin Rev. Paulett Boyd (Rev. John Boyd); along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel.  A graveside service will be held 12 Noon, Friday, August 15, 2025 at Hampton Memorial Gardens.