James Spellman, Sr., 86, went to his eternal rest on Sunday, February 17, 2008. A native of Winfall, NC, he was the son of the late George Spellman and Addie Spellman Holley. He is predeceased by his wife, Johnwillie Ford and son, Famous E. Spellman, Sr. He retired from Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock after 33 years of service. He was a member of Emmanuel True Holiness Church where he often led songs that inspired and uplifted the congregation.



He leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Overseer Calton L. Ford (Gloria) of Chesapeake and James Spellman, Jr. (Kathleen) of Norfolk; six daughters, Thelma Ford Vaughan of Virginia Beach, Evangelist Sandra Spellman of Bronx, NY, Evangelist Willie Jones of Chesapeake, Addie Irby (William) of Virginia Beach, Lillian Slade (Calvin) of Virginia Beach and Pastor Helen Wray (Fabian) of Jackson, NJ; one sister, Doris Felton of Herford, NC; and two sisters-in-law, Thelma Moore and Martha Basnight of Edenton, NC. He was blessed with twenty three grandchildren and ten great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear loving friends.



A wake service will be held on Friday, February 22, 2008 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, 500 Liberty Street, Chesapeake. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. at Bibleway Holiness Church, 2520 Dexter Street, Chesapeake where Pastor Reginald Bynum will officiate. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.