Life’s Reflections
Jerline Spencer was born on February 7, 1949, in what was known as Capleville, in southeast Memphis, to the late Clyde and Georgia Ann Spencer. She was the oldest child of three siblings: Georgia Taylor and the late Contee Spencer. Jerline attended Capleville Elementary and graduated from Capleville High School. Throughout her life, she was always an excellent worker. She always had a strong work ethic, working in several businesses. She was a woman of industry.
Jerline married the love of her life on August 13, 1966. They were married for 39 years. She was truly a help meet. When they ventured into business, she was the secretary/bookkeeper. If there was a receipt to be found, Jerline was able to find it. J&J Grading was a reputable business, and God blessed them in many ways.
Jerline was a mother who loved her children and grandchildren. She and James had four daughters, the late, Melissa, and Bernita, Karen, Cassandra, and a bonus daughter, Barbara. As a mom, Jerline was loving but firm. She was the disciplinarian. Jerline was an excellent cook and many ate her meals. She made sure that her family had nutritious meals. We remember the meals: neckbones, spaghetti, sweet potatoes, peas, greens, and cornbread.
If Jerline had a passion, it was shopping-not just buying, but making sure she was getting the best deal. She could stay in the stores for hours.
In 1998, Jerline joined the St. Mark Ministries COGIC, under the leadership of Elder Michael L. Glover. The entire family followed suit, James coming first. She and James were great supporters of the ministry, serving and helping wherever needed. Jerline served as the Assistant Usher President, choir member, Sunday School Secretary, office assistant, and deaconess. She is well remembered for her smile, welcoming people into the church. Serving the Lord was her joy. She had great testimonies of how God delivered her out of sin.
As a choir member, we fondly remember Jerline leading selections such as “It’s Only a Test,” “I Will Open the Windows of Heaven,” and “Lord, Lord, Lord You Been Blessing Me.” She would listen to the song, write the words out, and that was the way it was going to be sung. Jerline was a loving, kind, and meek woman of God. In St. Mark, she was known as Sister Faithful. She will be truly missed.
The last three years of her life brought a battle with cancer, yet she never complained. Even in the last weeks of her life, she was still smiling and loving and still had that quick “Jerline” wit. She has left us a great legacy of grace in the midst of a battle.
To cherish her memory, Jerline leaves three daughters: Bernita Hawkins, Karen Taylor (Detrick), and Cassandra Murphy (Kevin); three grandsons: Terrence Butler, Detrick Taylor, and Dedrick Taylor; one great-grandson: Terrence Butler, Jr.; one bonus daughter: Barbara Marion; one sister: Georgia Taylor; her nieces: Barbara Taylor and Iberdella Taylor; nephews, cousins, beloved church family, and a host of those who were touched by her life.
Order of Service
Saturday, May 2, 2026 1:00 P.M.
St. Mark Ministry Church of God in Christ 1520 Gaither Street Memphis, Tennessee 38106
Elder Michael Glover, Pastor & Eulogist
Processional.......................................................................................The Family of Ms. Jerline Hawkins
Opening Prayer.......................................................................................................Elder Rufus Jefferson
Scripture Readings:
The Old Testament.......................................................................................Elder Rufus Jefferson
The New Testament................................................................................Minister Leroy Coleman
Selection............................................................................................................................Jasmyne Jones
Expressions of Love
(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)
Mr. Jerome Bobo - Neighbor
Missionary Beatrice Williams - Church Member
Sister Renee Taylor - Family
Remember Mama in a Special Way - Daughters
Acknowledgements....................................................................................................Lady Bridget Dance
Selection............................................................................................................................Jasmyne Jones
Eulogy....................................................................................................................Elder Michael Glover
Committal
Recessional.............................................................................................................Pastor Marsha Young
herished CMemories
“I’m Free”
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, To love, to work or play. Tasks undone must stay that way I’ve found that peace at the close of the day. If parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savoured much Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me, God wants me now, He set me free.
