'Miss Willie' even carried lumber for the new building

ROEBUCK PLAZA, Ala. (BP)--The next time you're tempted to turn off the alarm clock and stay in bed on Sunday morning, think about "Miss Willie."

Willie Spencer, 95, is a lifelong member of First Baptist Church, Roebuck Plaza, Ala., who refuses to allow inclement weather to keep her at home. Technically, she's been an official member of the church about 80 years. In those days, one had to be about 15 or 16 before being considered for church membership. Her parents were charter members of the church, which was founded in the 1890s.

Miss Willie has done many things at Roebuck Plaza, including providing fresh flowers for the sanctuary, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School and playing the piano. During one of the Birmingham-area church's early building programs, Miss Willie even helped carry lumber to the site.

Pastor Jim Auchmuty calls her "the matriarch of the church," explaining, "She is here every Sunday, Wednesday and for any special events. She cares about every aspect of our church -- even the finances. On a recent cold Sunday morning, her usual ride was unable to attend. Miss Willie phoned other members until she found a ride to church. She's that faithful."

Longtime acquaintance Benny Smith said Miss Willie has served the church faithfully from his earliest memories. He remembers being a member of Miss Willie's Beginners Sunday School department. She was his children's Sunday School teacher. She continued to teach more than 60 years. "Miss Willie has been there as a fine, Christian woman all of my life. She's been like another mother to me," said Smith, now 71.

Wynell Parson, who leads the Sunshine Fellowship monthly seniors meeting at the church, said, "Miss Willie is always there and is an inspiration to all of us."

She plays the piano for the meetings and for the Sunshine Band, members of the fellowship who play and sing for area nursing homes. Several years ago when the group had a Christmas program scheduled, Miss Willie fell and broke her hip. Not wanting to disappoint the nursing home residents, she had her therapist rig for her a special belt so she could play the piano in an upright position.

When the church recognized her 95th birthday in January, Auchmuty recounted that she was "so self-effacing, she insisted that we recognize all the other birthdays as well. She doesn't want any special recognition for the things she does."

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Susan Chaffin Goggins is a correspondent for The Alabama Baptist newsjournal.