The Spence family has released information regarding a homegoing service date for Willie Spence II, who passed away last Tuesday following a car accident in Tennessee. The projected service dates are as follows: The homegoing service will be held on October 28 at 10 a.m. in West Palm Beach, Florida. A memorial service, time as yet to be determined, will take place in Douglas on November 5. Additional details are below.
Willie’s passion for singing began long before he appeared on our TV screens during American Idol Season 19. He started showcasing his talent at an early age in his church, the Bethe’l Family Worship Center, and then in the Coffee High School choir. In 2017, a video of Willie covering Rihanna’s hit song “Diamonds” went viral, with an accumulated 15 million views. The video also landed him a feature on the Steve Harvey Show, where he performed the song and received a standing ovation from both the crowd and Harvey himself. In 2021, Willie went on to audition for American Idol where he effortlessly stole the hearts of the judges and viewers with his voice, joyful personality, and humility.
Willie’s journey on American Idol continued, with him receiving standing ovations from the judges week after week and viewers propelling him to the show’s finale, where he was named runner-up.
Since wrapping up American Idol Season 19, Willie had been recording new music and was scheduled to perform in London on November 12.
Willie’s life was taken last week following an automobile accident in Jasper, Tennessee. Since the news broke, people from all over the world have been mourning his loss with the Spence family.
The Bethe’l Family Worship Center recently announced dates and information regarding homegoing services for Willie. The statement reads, “Understanding this biblical concept, Willie Spence was entrusted to Bishop Dawn Trimm Jones at the age of 5 years old by his grandparents, Pastor Willie Singleton and Mother Singleton, Willie and Sharon Spence (parents), for his spiritual care and oversight by moving him from his birthplace to a small ministry on the outskirts of a country town.
“Before the world would hear of Willie Spence, for at least 16 years, facing challenges no different from what children and youths encounter in their lives, he was trained in the House of his God, never missing one Sunday service. As a child, a youth, and a young man, he stood as a worship leader with the BFWC Worship Team, learning servanthood, work ethics, integrity, and a higher interpretation of what we call life.
“Dr. Jones, along with his grandparents and parents, understanding the assignment given to her, labored, prayed, prophesied, guided, fought battles for his soul and salvation, knowing it was a holy calling. (Dr. Jones’ assignment: Exodus 1:17, savethemanchildalive). Dr. Jones today does not just mourn the loss of a member, but with permission granted from his parents and grandparents, mourns the loss of a son.”
A homegoing for Willie will take place on October 29, in West Palm Beach, Florida at 10:00 a.m. A worship service will also be held on October 28 at 6:30 p.m. The dates are projected at this time and the exact location of the service will be announced soon.
Due to the number of expected guests, officials with the church ask that you submit your names to be properly seated. For those who would like to make arrangements, please contact any of the following: Bethe’l Family Worship Center Administrator Anne Clark – (912) 345 3060, cfomanne@gmail.com; Bethe’l Family Worship Center Overseer Wanda Edmonson – (912) 309-0413, wandaedmonson@yahoo.com or Bethe’l Family Worship Center Media Department contact Latrina Cope – (912) 327-0067, latrinac75@gmail.com.
For those in Coffee County who would like to pay their respects and honor Willie, a memorial service in Douglas has been scheduled with a projected date of November 5. Additional information will be posted at a later time.
The family would also like to ask that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Willie’s Memorial Fund on Frontline. “We are devastated by the death of our son Willie,” the website says. “He was a great humanitarian and we were all grateful for his presence. His remarkable talent has left a lasting impression on the world. In his memory, we request that all donations be made to his memorial fund. We are humbled by this continuous support, and we thank everyone for being part of continuing his legacy. “
For anyone who would like to donate, please visit frontlineresponse.org/willie. Checks are also accepted by making them payable to the “Willie Spence Memorial Fund.”
In closing, Bethe’l Family Worship Center posted, “The world met Willie Spence II in his perfected state of his anointing. Dr. Dawn Trimm Jones, Sharon and Willie Spence, the late Pastor Dad Singleton, Mother Singleton, we the Bethe’l family, friends and supporters thank you for your labor in fine tuning Mr. Spence to fulfill God’s assignment on his life. As we mourn with his biological parents, family, friends, supporters and the world, we mourn with you also in the loss of a son.”
During Willie’s Idol audition, he was asked where he saw himself in 5 years if nothing was standing in his way. He responded, “I just want my voice to reach the world and share my gift. Hopefully, winning a Grammy one day. That’s where I see myself in five years.
Willie may not have been given the time to receive a Grammy because of his death, but his voice, without a doubt, not only “reached the world,” but stole the hearts of those who were blessed with hearing his talent.
Information regarding additional contact for questions and anything that pertains to Willie is included below.
DouglasNow will post additional information regarding the Celebration of Life ceremony when it is released.
Please continue to keep the Spence family, Willie’s friends, and his church family in your thoughts and prayers.
Attorney Terry Tucker: (404) 406-6106 | Email: ttt.esq@gmail.com
Bishop, Dr. Dawn Trimm Jones (912) 592-0291 | Email: savethemanchildalive@yahoo.com
Subrina Cooper: (561) 312-5685 | Email: blue_cooper@bellsouth.net
For general nonlegal matters: Mr. & Mrs. Sharon Spence, PO Box 626, Douglas, GA 31533