I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at the day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Ida Alberta Spellman Gallop was born in Norfolk County (Chesapeake) Virginia on May 29, 1932 to the late William Henry and Mary Frances Happer, Sr. Alberta was the thirteenth of fourteen children born to that union. After graduating from Princess Anne County School, she worked for the City of Chesapeake, as a school bus driver for 20 years.

Alberta accepted the Lord as her Savior at an early age and was a member of New Willow Grove Baptist Church, Chesapeake, Virginia. She served as church clerk, a missionary, a member of the Mother's Board, and sang in the senior choir. She also sang with the Gospel Union and Smith Gospel Chorus.

She was married to Earl A. Spellman Sr. (deceased). From their union, she was blessed with five children. Later in life on July 12, 1986, she wed Willie E. Gallop Sr. (deceased), and joined Olive Branch Baptist Church, Portsmouth, Virginia. There she was a member of the senior choir, Deaconess Board and Vice President of the missionaries.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Earl A. Spellman Sr., her second husband, Willie E. Gallop Sr., her siblings James Happer, Marie Happer Burress, Rebella Albritton, William Henry Happer, Jr., Forrest Cornelius Happer, Mary E. Fonville, George E. Happer, Sr., Arthur J. Happer, Rozelia Sutton, Elzora Sneed, Elmira Tillett, Dorothy Lee Mitchell, and Floria Powell; three of her daughters, ValJean Spellman, Cynthia A. Clemons and Brenda G. Burke.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving children, Earl A. Spellman Jr. (Dannetta) and Valencia Spellman. Her grandchildren, Shayla R. Clemons, LaMar A. Spellman, LaToya D. Webb (Jalo), Jefferson L. Burke, Jr. (Shunita); great grandchildren, Brandon T. Clemons, Jayden M. Webb, Jaylee M. Webb, Jayce M. Webb, and Brayden I. Clemons; six bonus children, Willie Jr. (Sophronia), Rommell (deceased), James L. (deceased), Marcia, Thomasine, and Winifred; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Alberta was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She leaves a legacy of faith, family and love.

The family would like to thank the staff of Interim Healthcare for their outstanding support and assistance during our mother's time of need.

A graveside service willl be held 12pm Friday, Janaury 15, 2021 at New Willow Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Viewing will be from 4pm until 5pm Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake. The service will be livestreamed at: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/61951236