On Thanksgiving morning, November 22, John Edward Spencer went home to the Lord, following pulmonary complications. Described by his son John Spencer. Jr., as a “humble servant,” John left marks of his servant’s heart across the PCA — from his role as a longstanding elder at Briarwood Presbyterian Church (Birmingham, Ala.) to his commitment to the work of Covenant Theological Seminary where he served on the board for more than 20 years. Spencer also served on various committees across the PCA, including Administrative, Christian Education and Publications and Great Commission Publications. John’s love for missions often led him and his wife Emalyn around the world, and then back home where they frequently opened their home to visiting missionaries.

Covenant Theological Seminary Chancellor Bryan Chapell remembered John this way: “We will dearly miss John Spencer, a man whose love for Christ made sacrificial love for others his life’s greatest joy.”

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 27, in the Bride’s Room of Briarwood Presbyterian Church at 11:00. A memorial service will follow in the sanctuary at 12:00. The service will be conducted by Dr. Frank M Barker, Jr., Dr. Harry L. Reeder, with Dr. Mark Cushman officiating. A graveside service will follow at Southern Heritage Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Briarwood Presbyterian Church or Covenant Theological Seminary, in St Louis, Mo.