Bishop William Spencer, Jr.

Reflections of a Life Well-Lived

Bishop William Spencer, Jr. was born September 17, 1958, in East St. Louis Hospital, in East St. Louis, IL to Janet L. Brown and William Spencer, Sr. He was educated in the Venice School District and attended Venice High School. He accepted Christ at an early age and grew up at Trinity COGIC in Madison, IL, under the pastoral care of Elder Norvell Woolfolk. During that time, Bishop Spencer attended North Central Christian College (Minneapolis, MN) where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in Theology.

Upon returning to the Saint Louis Metro area, he joined New Northside MBC where Bishop Spencer was licensed and ordained under the leadership of the late Bishop Willie J. Ellis, Jr. He served as the Youth Pastor, becoming known for leading the Annual Youth Retreat. During this time, he began his career in car sales and enjoyed a remarkably successful 37-year career in the Automotive Sales Industry. Bishop Spencer was sought after for his salesmanship and skills throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan area. Even after retiring to serve full time in ministry, everyone always called him when it was time to make a deal.

After serving other ministries as the Lord required, Bishop Spencer founded and co-pastored Spirit of Christ Fellowship Church with his son William Ashton Spencer, III. Under the leadership of Presiding Bishop Samuel L. White and as a part of United Fellowship International Ministries, he was consecrated as a Bishop in the Lord’s Church on October 18, 2020, at Monroe Memorial in Alton, IL. In addition, he was installed as the Illinois Regional Bishop. He retired from pastoring in May 2022. Later that year, he was honored to serve as the Auxiliary Bishop of District Overseers for Kingdom Destiny Fellowship International under the leadership of Presiding Prelate Bishop Derrick Robinson. He loved helping people realize their full potential and spiritual growth. Whether a fulltime or part-time pastor, ministry was always in his heart. 

Bishop Spencer met and married his wife First Lady Kisha McNulty-Spencer while pastoring in Columbia, MO. They spent the next 17 years working side by side in ministry and education. Bishop Spencer loved children—both his own children and those that he adopted as nieces and nephews. He often joked with the girls that each was his favorite—until his grandkids came along. Bishop Spencer loved to travel and when he did, it was in style. He enjoyed a great meal and fine dining. He was an avid shopper and was always suited and booted whether in an actual suit or leisure. He was the life of the party and always cracking jokes. He always enjoyed a room full of people and never met a stranger.

Bishop William Spencer, Jr., passed away Friday, January 13, 2023, in O’Fallon, IL. He was preceded in death by both of his parents Janet L. Brown and William Spencer, Sr.; his grandmother Emma L. Brown (Mama Emma) and Mother Beverly Ellis.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Kisha Spencer of O’Fallon, IL; his children Tremaine (Latoya) Spencer of San Antonio, TX, Terrance (LaTosha) Spencer of Chandler, AZ, Ashley Delaney, and William Ashton (Jessica) Spencer, III both of O’Fallon, IL, Alexis (Andre) Wilson of St. Louis, MO, Haleigh Spencer and Ashleigh Spencer, both of O’Fallon, IL; His grandchildren Jada, Jordan, Mason, Julia, Samaya, Taylour, D’Andre, Ashton, Jr., Aria, and LaRon; His only sister Lavonda Fletcher of Spring, TX; God Sister Leslie Bonner and Best Friends Gerald Stepney & Rev. Jackie Causey, all of St. Louis, MO; and a host of cousins, family and friends, and co-laborers in the gospel.

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