PORTSMOUTH—John Henry Spence, Jr. died at 94 years of age on January 19, 2026 at his home in Portsmouth, Virginia. He was born March 12, 1931 in Ashland, KY to John Spence and Kathleen Jarvis Spence. His early years were spent in Ashland as well as in South Charleston, WV, before moving to Portsmouth as a young teenager.  He attended Woodrow Wilson High School and was a member of the golf team.

As a teenager, John always had a job - delivering newspapers, working at a soda fountain, or working for a drafting firm - because he had a passion for sharp clothes and needed extra money to buy them.  After high school, he started working with Seaboard Railroad in Portsmouth. A few years later he began a career with State Farm Insurance, where he ran an agency for 45 years. He loved "being his own boss." His first office was on Dock Landing Road.  Over the years his office moved progressively into Portsmouth, such that for the last 15 years his office was downtown. His passion in his job was to provide excellent service to his clients, and his business thrived because of this dedication.

John met his future wife, Emma Adeline Marable, at the Peppermint Lounge in Virginia Beach. It took some effort to convince Adeline's mother he could be a reliable provider to her only child, but he was ultimately successful. They were married for 64 years and raised three children together.

Family was the prime focus of his life. John and Adeline supported their kids in all their activities, and often took day trips throughout the area, especially Williamsburg, Jamestown, and the YMCA Beach on the Chesapeake Bay. Summer vacations usually would be a week at the beach, often including one full day and evening at Ocean View Amusement Park.

After the kids went to college, John started playing golf again. He enjoyed membership at Elizabeth Manor Country Club and became a member at Cedar Point Club. He regularly went on golf outings with friends down to Myrtle Beach other regional golf destinations, as well as trips to Ireland and Bermuda.

He also began increasing his community activities. He was active in the Big Brother program in Portsmouth, and decades later was still in contact with some of his little brothers. He served on the Board of Directors for Maryview Hospital and the Bon Secours hospital system in Hampton Roads, including a term as the Chairman.  John was active in the Portsmouth Partnership to encourage economic development in Portsmouth to improve the community overall. His success at State Farm Insurance led him to become seen as an unofficial mentor for many younger State Farm agents in the region.

In his 50s John started sailing regularly. He enjoyed having his own boat, sailing in the Elizabeth River branches and out into Hampton Roads. Gathering a group of sailing friends, he annually took trips up the Chesapeake Bay in October, exploring the bay and ending up in Annapolis for the annual boat show.

John and Adeline loved having visits with their growing family, with the grandkids around the house, and annual Thanksgiving meals got larger with time. They also would enjoy visiting the homes of their children at Christmas, to other interesting and scenic places, and to the homes of former Portsmouth friends.

In their later years, Adeline began needing greater levels of care and John dedicated his time to her.  Adeline passed away in 2016 at 86 years of age.   Following that, John lived alone for several years but friends and family kept him company.  Finally, John's ninety-plus years started catching up with him and he had caregivers in his home during the final years of his life.  They proved a new audience for his stories and allowed him to live relatively independently until he peacefully transitioned to join his beloved Adeline.

John is preceded in death by his wife Adeline and his parents.  He is survived by his three children, Ed Spence (Sallie) of Chapel Hill, NC, Wendel Gouldman of Richmond, and Sidney Goldblatt (Adam) of Chesapeake along with eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  He also is survived by his three loving sisters, Rhoda Kay Bookter-Rashley (Taylors, SC), Sue Cavaleri (Portsmouth, VA), and Dreama Stroud (The Villages, FL), and many nephews/nieces and their children.

We would like to express our profound gratitude to all of those that provided love and care to John and our family over these past few years. Many were there from the beginning 4.5 years ago, and their loyalty was truly a blessing. We especially want to thank Nancy, Genell, Kawia, Leigh, Melanie, Trina, Angela, Tamara, and Tenee, who cared for him

A memorial service will be held 3:00 p.m.  Friday, February 27, 2026 at Crossroads United Methodist Church, 1800 Rodman Ave, Portsmouth, with reception to follow in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor at the organization of your choice. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.