American Idol Finalist Willie J. Spence laid to rest in West Palm Beach FL.

Written By: Sidney Bryant Sr.
One Compelling Picture of Compel Inner-Province LLC.
10/28/2022 2:40PM

West Palm Beach - Over the weekend hundreds of viewers, family, and friends from far and near gathered at Mt Calvary Baptist Church in West Palm Beach, Florida to celebrate and lay to rest The Late Mr. Willie J. Spence. 

Twenty-three (23) year old Willie J. Spence, affectionately known as “M”, lost his life in a tragic automobile accident on October 11, 2022 near Chattanooga, Tennessee.  Spence, a talented & gifted singer was American Idol’s Season 19 runner up. 

Spence born in West Palm Beach began singing at the tender age of two (2) while attending his grandfather Pastor Willie Singleton’s Church in Riviera Beach, Florida. When Willie was six (6) years old, his grandfather released him and his parents Sharon and Willie Spence from his ministry into the care of Dr. Dawn Trimm Jones, in the small country town of Douglas, Georgia. Spence and his family attended Bethe’l Family Worship Center for more than fifteen (15) years faithfully. 

There were several dignitaries present at the service which was held on October 28, 2022; “I never knew what God given talent was until I met Willie Spence; But I learned that its this intangible gift that’s unexplained. When Wille sang it filled the room, it feels your heart and it helps you escape whatever mundane problem  we may have felt in that moment. But it wasn’t the vocal genius that was Willie that I remember; its his humility and kindness that sticks with me.” stated Josh Randall from ABC’s American Idol.

The VIP list included several state and local officials including State Representative Jervonte Edmonds, Mayor Ronnie Felder, Councilman Doug Lawson, Commissioner Mack Bernard, Kim Dockery, Terry Tucker and many others both clergy and distinguished.

In a Video tribute; K Michelle reflected on her relationship with Spence and how close Spence had become with her extended family. She went on to assure Spence’s parents that she “Will be sure that his legacy continues to live on forever”. Spence was one of K Michelle’s biggest supporters over the years of their relationship attending shows, listening sessions, and making frequent calls to check up on her. 
  Alyssa “Redd” Carswell, from the Bad Girls Club attended the Celebration of Life Concert and Home-going Service; she told attendees “Willie told me I need Jesus and I need to get back to church… Well Willie you got me back in the church”. 

Amongst the many special resolutions and tributes; the National Strategy Officer at Frontline Response Mr. Terry Tucker announced the plans for their current construction in Atlanta to feature a Community Center that will officially be named “The Willie Spence Community Center”.

“While many are mourning and grieving, not everyone will grieve the same way, and do not let anyone tell you how you should grieve nor how long you should grieve” were some of Dr. Dawn Jones’ final words in her eulogy. She went on to say “I employ every young person present in order to keep Willie’s legacy alive, to find your purpose, find the one that you are called to, do that, and don’t stop until you accomplish it.”

There’s no doubt Willie Spence touched millions of lives all over the world. It was a clear indication by the attendees that Spence’s music brought people together regardless of creed, nationality or religion, Spence truly shined bright like a diamond in the sky. America will forever mourn the loss of Wille J. Spence.