Leslie Washington Spencer

Leslie Washington Spencer was born on September 15, 1932 in Porus, Manchester, Jamaica, WI, to Augustus and Miriam Spencer. Leslie was the fifth of eleven children: Pauletta (Polly), Rudolpho (Brother Papa), Leonard, Albert (Bertie), Leslie (Tan Tan), Rosetta (Rose), Linda (Sitty), Carmelin (Carmen), Clifford (Benno), Lester (Swelly), and Amy (Love).

As a young man, Leslie followed in the footsteps of his Father, Augustus, by becoming a skilled shoe maker and Cobbler. He lived in Porus, until 18 years of age, then moved to Norwich, Port Antonio, Jamaica, where he had two daughters, Jacintha and Cheryl, the first blessings of his life, forever holding a special place in his heart.

While at a Friday night dance in Port Antonio, Leslie saw a young lady he liked, but … was too afraid to approach her. His fear to make contact with her went on for weeks, UNTIL…SHE APPROCHED HIM! They danced, but that was only the beginning of a great friendship.

Eventually, that young lady Leslie danced with moved to New York and began helping friends in Jamaica to find opportunities to work in the United States. He took a chance, and in 1970, Leslie emigrated to the US on a Visa as a shoe repairman. He also worked as a Security Guard at JFK Airport, and as an Elevator Operator at ABC Television in New York City.

One week after arriving in New York, Leslie attended a Church service at Manhattan Holy Tabernacle, where he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. As time went on, that friendship blossomed into a relationship, then became a blended family, where Leslie lovingly embraced Ernies’ four daughters: Marcia, Eunice (Sadie), Beulah (Merl) and Jacqueline (Jackie) as his own.

On February 20, 1971, Leslie married Ernie, and officially became a family. In 1972, they welcomed the addition of their first son, Leslie. They lived in Manhattan until purchasing their first home in Queens, NY. In 1981, the family welcomed the addition of their last child named, Christopher. In 1989, Leslie, Ernie and their two boys left the cold of New York and moved to sunny Port Charlotte, FL.

Going fishing was one of his favorite past times. You could often find him spending hours fishing from a pier in El Jobean, completely unbothered by the sun. He was an avid sports fan! After a long day of work, he could often be found in his recliner watching cricket, boxing, baseball, basketball, and especially wrestling! He also loved to dance and playing his big harmonica.

Leslie is survived by his beloved wife, Ernie, sons Leslie and Christopher, daughters Marcia, Jacintha, Cheryl, Eunice, Beulah and Jacqueline, a brother, Lester and sister Amy. Leslie was blessed with 13 grandchildren and three great grandchildren and a host of cherished family members and friends. Leslie will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him. Above all, Leslie was a loving husband, devoted father, caring brother, and a kind and gentle man. His love for his family and God defined much of his life. His family takes comfort in the hope that one day they will all meet again.