Bro. Spencer's Memorial & Committal
Bro. Mikel Dale Spencer was born to Georgia Lee (Sharp) and Larry Dale Spencer on March 27, 1967, in Trenton, Michigan. Growing up in Springfield and Enon, Ohio, he never called “the state up north” his home. Mikel graduated from Greenon High School in June 1985, where he joined the marching band, played baseball, ran cross country track and was the sports announcer for Greenon’s athletic teams.
Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and served his country with honor for 24 years. He spent 13 months in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, during which time he was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism in combat. He completed two tours in Germany, and stateside assignments in Peoria, Illinois and Tacoma, Washington before concluding his illustrious career in Morganton, North Carolina. He earned recognition as a coveted Army Gold Ring Recruiter and impacted the lives of untold numbers of future soldiers.
Following his military retirement, Mikel earned two Bachelor’s degrees, one in Public Administration and the other in Emergency Management, from Northern Arizona University. He continued his commitment to public service starting as a GS-5 in Human Resources, at the Southern Arizona VA Hospital, in Tucson. In 2016, he transferred to the U.S. State Department Passport Services, where he rose to the position of Program Analyst GS-13 assigned to Washington, D.C.
During his tenure with the State Department, Mikel served as a Senior Union Steward for the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE). His advocacy and commitment, resulted in the implementation of new practices, policies, and workplace initiatives, thus improving management-employee relationships. He represented the union on major local and bureau level negotiations, served as "First Chair" in arbitration and facilitated the training of other union stewards.
A die-hard “The” Ohio State University and St. Louis Cardinals fan, Mikel’s one bucket list item was to visit every major league baseball stadium. He made it to 16 of them! Also, a talented pianist, he composed a love song for his wife and lullabies for his God-blessings Ella, Robin, Ava, Violet and Emori.
Bro. Spencer was initiated into Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Epsilon Sigma Chapter in Phoenix, AZ, on May 23, 2015. Throughout his fraternal journey, he exemplified the principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service, serving in numerous leadership roles, including four years as Chapter President during the reactivation of Lambda Kappa Sigma Chapter in Tucson, AZ, and as the Western Regional Director of Sigma Zeta Relations and served on the International level for the council of the same. His most memorable highlight was meeting the late Hon. Bro. Senator John Lewis, whose message to “serve others, not just to check a box, but to make a difference” deeply impacted him. He also participated in the Sigma pilgrimage to Philadelphia, PA to honor Most Honorable Founder Charles I. Brown’s final resting place. Continuing his commitment to service, Mikel later joined Sigma Zeta Sigma Chapter in Tacoma, WA, where he served on the Membership Committee and supported chapter initiatives, leaving a lasting legacy of dedication.
Mikel is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 17 years, Sor. Patricia Elizabeth Price Spencer. Left to honor his memory are his children, Annastasia Marie and Sebastian Mikel, his stepson and daughter Charles (Trey) B. Blackwell, III and Dayna Monique Blackwell. Mourning his passing are his brother, Jason Spencer (Hollie), brothers and sisters-in-law, Delonta (Beau) Jones Thompson, Delondo (Ronnie) Boyd, Sr., Deborah Moore, Consuella Jenkins, Lolita and Carlton Myers, his Godly gift Ecolia Whitmire, sister-in-love Michelle Scott and a host of other nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Rona Lee.
He will forever be missed by Ben, Tom, Christopher, Kevin, Kelvin, Everett, Anthony, Aaron, Brian, Devon, Jason, Calvin, Micah and Eli; his Zeta daughters, Marissa, Nita, Ashley, Deshanaye, Ruby, Jasmine and Demetria; along with a host of Sigma brothers, Sorors and a multitude of beloved friends.
Bro. Spencer’s Omega Chapter ceremony and Memorial Service will be held at Marana Mortuary Chapel, 12146 W. Barnett Road, Marana, AZ 85655. This is a private service beginning promptly at 9:30 AM; please arrive no later than 9:00 AM to be seated. Brothers attending are asked to wear black suits, white shirts, black dress shoes, and royal blue ties. Immediately following the service, we will proceed to the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 15950 N. Luckett Road, Marana, AZ 85653, for his full military honors and committal service.
For more service and event information please, click here.
