Gladys Urita Spencer-Humphrey, 90, February 23, 1929 – May 7, 2019. Born in La Boca, Panama to Gertrude and Fitzgerald Spencer (both deceased). Her siblings were Hector Spencer (deceased), Arthur Spencer (deceased), Harold Spencer (deceased), Franklin Spencer (deceased), Perla Spencer Evelyn (deceased), Evelyn Spencer Wade (deceased), Roy Spencer and Wilbert Spencer.
Her primary education was done at La Boca Elementary and then Santa Cruz School, where she completed the 8th grade. Subsequently she moved on to Pedro J. Sosa High School where she graduated while at the same time fine tuning the Spanish language.
Gladys attended La Boca Elementary School for her primary years and then transferred to Santa Cruz School until she graduated from the 8th grade. She then attended Pedro J Sosa School to complete her High School education while enhancing her knowledge of the Spanish language.
As a child, Gladys enjoyed playing softball. She played on a team sponsored by the former Panamanian President, Ernesto de la Guardia, Jr. and was known as “La Reina del Ponche”….”The Strike-out Queen”. At that time, she also had a serious yearning to become a pianist however, she just couldn’t “get it”. When asked what happened to that dream, Gladys simply said, “I couldn’t play”. At the tender age of 15, Gladys developed a personal relationship with Christ which was inspired by the charismatic preaching of Evangelist Reverend Billy Graham.
Gladys met and courted Robert Humphrey, who was also a ball player. The couple married in 1949 and moved to Pueblo Nuevo, Panama where Gladys launched a career starting Sunday schools, developing youth groups, and spearheading Girls in Action (GA) Youth Groups. This all started at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Pueblo Nuevo where Robert was ordained. She also organized groups at the Chorrillo Baptist Mission in the heart of Chorrillo, the Jordan Baptist Church on 14th Street Rio Abajo, and the San Fernando Baptist Church in Juan Diaz. Gladys also served as President of the Women’s Auxiliary Group while at the Chorrillo Baptist Mission. When Reverend Robert Humphrey was called to replace Rev. Walters at the Paraiso Baptist Church, Gladys expanded her services to include community work and conducting youth activities. After a few years, Gladys returned to Gamboa (former Panama Canal Zone) where she continued her services and eventually assisted in developing a choir. Other accomplishments include starting a Pre-Kindergarten school program, developing an after-school Adult program and teaching tailoring, cooking, baking, and other domestic skills.
While in Panama, Gladys and Robert were blessed with 2 beautiful daughters Mercedes and Melva. In 1969, the family migrated to the United States and Gladys and Robert served at the Trinity CME Church in Brooklyn, New York. They remained at Trinity CME Church for five years until the Lord called Rev. Humphrey to establish Emmaus Christian Community Church in 1974.
While serving as the First Lady of Emmaus Christian Community Church, Gladys worked at Citibank Corp for 21 years. After her retirement in 1991, the family moved to Ocala, FL. While there, Gladys continued working in the community and serving the Lord. The Ocala Community lovingly referred to her as “Grandma”. After the passing of her husband, Gladys moved to Deltona, Florida where she lived with her daughter Melva and her family.
Announcement by Sellers Funeral Home, Ocala, FL.