Jesse Thomas Spence
(January 17, 1941 – May 12, 2020)
Jesse Thomas Spence, 79, of Roanoke Rapids departed from this life on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 surrounded by his family and loved ones after a long fight with cancer and heart disease. Jesse was born in Roanoke Rapids on January 17, 1941, the son of the late Lizzie Pridgen Spence and William Thomas Spence. He was also preceded in death by his nephew, Michael Thomas Howell.
Jesse graduated from Roanoke Rapids High School and he received two Associate in Applied Science Degrees from Halifax County Technical Institute (HCC). He was a United States Veteran serving in the Army for two years. He was a member of East Tenth Street Christian Church and the American Legion Post 38. He retired after serving 32 years with the North Carolina Department of Corrections.
Jesse served over 45 years to the youth of Eastern North Carolina. He coached city league baseball in the Junior and Senior divisions, coaching his team the Stewards. He was a football official for over 40 years officiating middle school, high school and junior college games. He earned the Dick Knox Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his devoted service and his involvement with the young student athletes of our state. He also officiated behind the plate for over 45 years in city youth leagues and middle and high school softball and baseball. During his career he touched many lives with a positive and caring influence.
Jesse was survived by his wife, Evelyn Moseley Spence of 47 years, his brother William Henry Spence and his wife Ruth of Nashville, NC., his sister Barbara Spence Crumpler of Roanoke Rapids, his nephew Kevin Wade Howell (Ashley Howell, Jacob Powell, Danielle Bottie and Alex Howell) of Kissimmee, Florida, his nieces, Lori and Eric Wright (Steven) of Richmond, Va. and Crystal Howell Adams (Austin and Hannah) of Roanoke Rapids. His brother-in-laws Morris “Tom” Moseley (Linda Mozingo, Wanda Patrick, Susan Patton) and Glenn Moseley and wife Catherine (Melissa Thompson). Other nieces and nephews Charlene Norris, Pam Langley-Driver, Sherri Burnette and Mark Moseley. Jesse’s extended family, J.C. and Kayla Pittman (Sadie and Colt) of Roanoke Rapids, and Joe and Tammy Overton (Sarah and John) of Roanoke Rapids.
Jesse never had biological children but he had three children through love that meant the world to him. His “daughter” Hannah Noel Taylor and his “sons” Austin David Taylor and J. C. Pittman. He always said they were his heart children. They were there with Jesse until the very end.
A special thank you goes to his niece Pam Langley-Driver for being with us throughout this sickness. She was always there when we needed her support. Also, we want to thank his nephew Jimmy Moseley who has always been there for us.
There will be a graveside service at Cedarwood Cemetery for family and friends Friday, May 15, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. conducted by pastor Jason Yeatts of East Tenth Street Christian Church.
You may visit the family at the home and come by the Funeral Home between 12 noon and 5 pm on Thursday to view Jesse.
Askew Funeral and Cremation services in Roanoke Rapids is handling the arrangements.
Friends and family may send an online condolence and sign the register by going to www.askewfs.com