He was born on the beautiful island of Nevis in Brown Hill village on April 25, 1936.
Spencer was a beacon of joy and warmth for all who knew him. He dedicated 61 remarkable years to the vibrant community of St. John, Virgin Islands, where he made a lasting impact through his work at Caneel Bay Resort and later as the owner of Spencer’s Jeep Rental and Taxi Service, until his retirement in 2017.
Spencer was blessed with a melodious tenor voice that resonated in the hearts of many. He shared his musical gifts through two cherished gospel albums, “Come On Home” and “No Other Time.” He lived a life filled with peace and joy until his passing on Dec. 24, 2024, at Solaris Healthcare in Celebration, FL.
Reunited in spirit with his beloved wife, Camilla Oreta Mills Stapleton. Spencer was preceded in death by his parents, James Emmanuel Stapleton and Olga Albertine Prentice Stapleton, his siblings Marion Browne, Meason Walters, Charles “Vincent” and James Stapleton, Irina “Irene” Stapleton-Claxton, and Miriam “Allie” Stapleton-Maynard, as well as, his in-laws, Myron Hull, William “Shorty” Pemberton and Lincoln Mills.
He is lovingly survived by his children, Yvette and Spencer Stapleton, Jr.; stepson Keith Mills; daughters-in-law Hope Hodge-Stapleton and Joycelyn Demming-Mills; and a beautiful legacy of Grandchildren: Dalton Jr., Alton, and Deitra Powell; Jahleisha, Spencer III, and Harmony Stapleton; Step-Grandchildren: Keishelle Mills and Ron Thompson; Great Grandchildren: Jalani and Mehki Georges; Zebriel, Alikah and Azahri Thompson; Louriet, Dalton Powell III, Jackson Milligan, Virgil Rightenburg, Donna Callwood and Shamil Powell; Nemoi and Noah Williams; Ariana Penn; Za’Charaya Dogue, Za’Dayaha and Za’Rihana Pigler and Adopted grandchildren: Shakwana Albert, Shania Dawson; Sisters: Rosita Stapleton-Ward, Lorraine Stapleton-Hull, Joan Stapleton-Pemberton and Judith Stapleton; Brothers-in-law: Mundelain Ward, Ferdinand “Bosley” Maynard, Theodore “Cook” Williams, Casval Mills and Rodney Mills; Sisters-in-law: Ilis Walters, Cynthia Stapleton, Maudina Emmons, Emelyn Blake, Gloria “Lolina” Mills, Lorita “Molly” Mills, Delzarine Mills, Novis Warde and Cornella Mills, who will carry his spirit forward.
Spencer cherished his friendships deeply and will be remembered fondly by Special Friends, including: Osvalda “Lucy” Borg and Elio “Bolo” Santana, Orville Brown, Luella Callwood, Ralph & Shani Carbon, Fr. Hugh Chapman & Family, Deborah L. Charles, Donald “Comfee” Christopher & Family, Gwen Dagou, Roosevelt and Ileta David & Family, Evans Doway, John Drew, Ascelia Hendricks, Bernadine Hendrickson, Conrad and Floresia Henley, Arthur and Monica Hercules, Irving Jones, Theresa Farray, Paulette Lawrence, Antonio “Pumpkin” Lewis, Nurse Oluremilekun ”Remi” Lewis, Jerome Liburd, Raphael and Daphne Jordan-Melendez, Novelle “Abba” Meade, Zida Paris, Joel Penn, Rev. Alson B H Percival, Frank and Mary Powell, Merle Prentice, Oswald “Justice” Sealy, Evang. Bridget Blucher Simms, Robert “Bobby” Wesselhoft, Sivilah Williams and family and among many other family members and close friends, to include: The St. Ursula’s Anglican Church Family, Former Caneel Bay Coworkers, St John Taxi Association and all other affiliated Taxi operators, St. John Jeep and Car Rental Families, The Gospel Tones, St. John Church Families, and the Nevis Community, especially the village of Brown Hill. Spencer also appreciated the care received from the members and staff of the Solaris Healthcare Celebration and VITAS Healthcare.
Spencer is also survived by numerous special relatives and friends spanning the Prentice, Marshall, Powell, Tatem, Johnson and the rest of the Stapleton families in the US and British Virgin Islands, Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, the United States, Canada, and England.
Arrangements are under the care of Newcomer Funeral Home, Orlando, FL and Turnbull Funeral Home.
The family invites all to join in a celebration of Spencer’s life:
First Viewing: Friday, Jan. 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Turnbull Funeral Home, St Thomas.
Second Viewing: Saturday, Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at The Nazareth Lutheran Church, Cruz Bay, St. John.
Funeral Service: Saturday, Jan. 25 at 10:30 a.m. at The Nazareth Lutheran Church, Cruz Bay, St. John.
Tributes can be submitted to tributetospencer@gmail.com by 11:59 PM, Friday, January 17, 2025.
