MAURINE WATHAW SPENCER

On April 12, 1953, Maurine Wathaw Spencer entered the world as the youngest child of Maurice Wathaw and Wilder Forks Wathaw in Troup, Texas. She was truly a blessing who brought joy to everyone in the family and impacted everyone she came in contact with. Accepting Christ at an early age, her spiritual walk began at New Hope Baptist Church in Troup, TX. 

Maurine excelled in school and was the first African American recognized by the Tyler Rotary Club. Maurine’s peers named her “Miss Arp High School”. She was a natural beauty inside and out with brains to match. It’s no wonder her bright light and virtuous qualities won over her future life partner, Floyd L. Spencer, Jr. They were young, in love, ambitious and full of life. They set their sights on moving to Houston, TX and starting a family. Floyd knew he had found a perfect match in “Rina” and that he was going to make it official and for a lifetime. They married on April 14, 1972, in Houston, TX. To this union, two daughters were born, Afrika and Makima. 

Maurine was an avid learner who pursued higher education at Texas Southern University and Webster University. Maurine was an accomplished business leader. She worked at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company where she retired after 30+ years of service. Maurine was able to contribute her talents in a variety of roles, with her last job being an Area Manager of Process Development and Methods. Maurine was asked to move to St. Louis, Missouri to aid in the growth and expansion of the company.  As an ambassador for SWBT, she was a member of the African American Association where she was the Historian and photographer who routinely volunteered with the youth. She later relocated to San Antonio, TX. Given the opportunity to retire, Maurine did just that and started her own company, “Rina’s Creations” where she designed, developed and marketed her creations to the local San Antonio community at trade shows. She had a sincere appreciation for fashion and spreading God’s Word which was evident in her products.  

She was steadfast in her faith and was not content in only knowing Christ for herself – she wanted to ensure a heavenly legacy for her family members as well. Maurine ensured her children and grandchildren knew the Word of God, volunteered and served the local community. Maurine routinely prayed for others and partnered with Women’s study groups to amplify her impact. She truly had a zeal for learning about the Bible and God throughout her life. Maurine was a Sunday School teacher and member of the Nurses Aid and Usher Board at McGee Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, TX and Mt. Zion Baptist Church in St. Charles, MO. Maurine served faithfully until she was assigned to San Antonio, TX where she continued to serve God as a minister’s wife at Palestine Baptist Church. Being an outstanding life partner, she supported her husband as First Lady when he received his Christian assignment to pastor at St. John’s Independent Church. Maurine was a woman of many talents. She was an accomplished pianist, model, poet, and knew her way around a sewing machine. She faithfully served God throughout her life as she modelled being a Christian and dedicated daughter, mother, wife, grandmother, aunt, and community leader. 

On January 28, 2023, she went home to be with the Lord. Preceding her in death were her parents (Maurice and Wilder), brother (Joe Willie Wathaw), sisters (Nana Bertha McDaniel and Alma Faye Willis), nieces (Theresa Crawford and Penny McDaniel), nephew (Floyd “Donnell” Rachelle Spencer) and brother-in-law (Roderick “Ricky” Spencer).  

She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband, Pastor Floyd L. Spencer, Jr.; daughters: Afrika Nykysia Spencer (Shelby, Sydney, Spencer, and Savannah) and Makima Nakii Spencer (Victoria and Caleb); Nieces: Felicia Willis Collins, Dr. Veronda Willis, D’meka Grogran (Donnie), and Clarissa Press; Great nieces: Tiffani (Del Voda), Whitley, and Kylesha (Syna); Nephews: Elroy “Bubba” McDaniel, Jr. and Damien Humphrey; Great Nephew: Theophilius “Trey” Crawford; Brother-in-law: Elroy McDaniel, Sr.; Sister-in-laws: Beverly Spencer Esquire, Seretha Humphrey, Michelle “Meky” Spencer, and Dr. Kimberlie Spencer and a host of other relatives and friends.    

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