Albert Jack Spencer

Albert Jack Spencer, 91, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away on November 17, 2025. He was the son of the late James Monroe and Celia Hill Spencer. He was also preceded in death by his half-sister, Jessie Claridge.

He was born on December 14, 1933, in Leon, Florida. He graduated from FAMU in Tallahassee from the College of Arts and Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. After university, he served in the Army from 1957 to 1963. He taught high school music in North Carolina and Amherst County Public Schools. He later obtained his Masters degree in education from Lynchburg College and taught elementary education in the Lynchburg Public School system.

During his teaching career, he served as vice president and president of the local NEA, served on the VEA Board of Directors, and served on the VEA-PAC Committee Executive and Minority Leadership Training Cadre. He retired from Lynchburg Public Schools in July 1997. Upon retiring, he became a life member of VEA/NEA-Retired. He served as a member of the VEA-Retired Advisory Committee as well as a member of the CenVaServ Board in the District 12 Leadership, Association PAC, and the District 12 PAC.

Albert was a member of Jackson Street United Methodist Church and Alpha Phi Alpha. He enjoyed watching sports, particularly college and professional football, basketball, and tennis. As a saxophonist, he held a deep appreciation for music, and he instilled that love in his students and children as well. Although he was a man of few words, Albert would tell you that his greatest achievement is the family he built.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Annese Singleton Spencer; his children, Vernnese S. Leger, Andre L. Spencer and his wife, Jeanne Leffler, and Jewell Venitra S. Newton and her former spouse, F.W. Newton Jr.; grandchildren, Renée Nicole Leger, Kizzy English and husband Dan Beaty, Jessica Annese Spencer, A Spencer Newton, V’Dell Annese Newton; nephews, Allen and Kirk Claridge; good friends, Robert Jones and Stacy Tinner; and a host of extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the education department at Jackson Street United Methodist Church P.O. Box 97 Lynchburg, Virginia, 24505.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 12:00 pm at Jackson Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Steve Propst officiating and Carl B. Hutcherson offering the eulogy. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services. Interment will follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.