Bruce S. Spellman

Bruce Sylvester Spellman, 68, transitioned from this earthly home on May 1, 2024. 

Bruce was born on March 18, 1956, to the late Brother Sylvester “Duke” and late Missionary Ella Loise Jones Spellman. Bruce’s parents were members of St. Stephens COGIC, the church where he and his siblings were raised. After high school, Bruce moved to Maryland to start a new life. There he met the love of his life, Wanda Fletcher. Together they relocated back to Virginia, married in 1982, and officially joined St. Stephens COGIC under the leadership of Elder Bruce E. Hughes, Sr.

Bruce was an avid sports fan who loved the Washington Redskins, Washington Wizards, Baltimore Ravens and watching golf. Brother Spellman’s favorite gospel song was God’s Grace, and his favorite scripture was Psalms 91.

Bruce held various positions throughout his career. He worked at the Washington Hilton, Sheraton Hotel, Virginia Beach Golf Course, and the City of Norfolk, where he earned the nickname "Sweets." Bruce retired after 20 years.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvester and Ella Louise Spellman; one brother, Alvin “Pokey” Spellman; two sisters, Shelia “Rooster” Robinson, Annie Ruth “Dove” Spellman; one great-niece, Cassandra Ann Spellman; his in-laws, Leo and Grace Fletcher; four brothers-in-law, Tony, Bernard, Joe and Leon Fletcher; two sisters-in-law, Irene and Jeanette Fletcher.

Bruce’s legacy lives on through his wife of 51 years, Wanda Fletcher Spellman; daughter, Shanta “Shaine” Fletcher; granddaughter, Shaniya Fletcher all of Virginia Beach; three sisters, Carolyn Darlene Spellman Hines, Sylvia “Mush” Spellman both of Virginia Beach, Annette Spellman Hook (Robert) of Norfolk; five sisters-in-law, Ronda Fletcher, Renee Fletcher (Spike), Patricia Wright, Cheryl Walst (James), Sandy Johnson (Don) all of Maryland; brother-in-law, Robert Robinson of Virginia; two aunts, Minister Lillian Ersell Sivels (Junior), Deloris Jones; two uncles, Alvin “Pep” Jones, James “Jeney” Williams; one special nephew; Deminsio Duke Spellman; special friends, Elder Donnie Gregory, Pastor Rory Shaw, Brother Robert Owens, Pastor Bruce E. Hughes, Sr.; and a host of family and friends.