Obituary for Rosemary Spence
Rosemary “Bookalee” Lewis, 80, passed away Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Pottstown Skilled Nursing and Rehab center, Pottstown.
Rosemary was born on June 8, 1942 in the Village of Harlem, New York City at home with a midwife. She was the youngest daughter of Paul Spurgeon and Estelle (William) Lewis. He mother Estelle was the only daughter of Octavia Benta who was the aunt of George Benta; founder and owner of Benta Funeral Home in New York City.
Rosemary, who preferred to be called “Bookalee” was educated in New York City Public School: PS,57, Andrew Draper Junior High School and Julia Richman High School. She transferred from Julia Richman High School to Evander Childs High School in The Bronx, when she went to live with her eldest sister, Lorraine Horsford in her new home in The Bronx where Lorraine took care of Granny.
She met Henry Spence at Evander Childs High School. They dated and were married and had seven children; including a set of twins. The marriage did not work out but she devoted her life to raising her children.
Rosemary has left behind her memories to be cherished by siblings: Lorraine, Barbara, David, and Patricia. Her Children: Darryl, Sean P., Peter A., Paul A., and Deb A., and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her two sons, Dawn A., and Derrick. A sister who was born in New York City but passed away in Liberia, West Africa.
A memorial service will be held on May 26, 2023 at 11 a.m. in New York City at the Benta’s Funeral Home Inc. located at 630 St. Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10030. Followed by a Repass.
Warker~Troutman Funeral Home Inc is honored to serve Rosemary’s family.
Rosemary was born on June 8, 1942 in the Village of Harlem, New York City at home with a midwife. She was the youngest daughter of Paul Spurgeon and Estelle (William) Lewis. He mother Estelle was the only daughter of Octavia Benta who was the aunt of George Benta; founder and owner of Benta Funeral Home in New York City.
Rosemary, who preferred to be called “Bookalee” was educated in New York City Public School: PS,57, Andrew Draper Junior High School and Julia Richman High School. She transferred from Julia Richman High School to Evander Childs High School in The Bronx, when she went to live with her eldest sister, Lorraine Horsford in her new home in The Bronx where Lorraine took care of Granny.
She met Henry Spence at Evander Childs High School. They dated and were married and had seven children; including a set of twins. The marriage did not work out but she devoted her life to raising her children.
Rosemary has left behind her memories to be cherished by siblings: Lorraine, Barbara, David, and Patricia. Her Children: Darryl, Sean P., Peter A., Paul A., and Deb A., and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her two sons, Dawn A., and Derrick. A sister who was born in New York City but passed away in Liberia, West Africa.
A memorial service will be held on May 26, 2023 at 11 a.m. in New York City at the Benta’s Funeral Home Inc. located at 630 St. Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10030. Followed by a Repass.
Warker~Troutman Funeral Home Inc is honored to serve Rosemary’s family.