Spence’s Instagram account shows that he was scheduled to make his first appearance in London on Nov. 12 at Trinity Baptist Church Oasis House. The church’s Instagram page says, “TBC is a Church that is totally committed to the Great Commission, transforming Lives and fulfilling Destinies.”
In a 2021 interview, Spence’s parents, Willie Spence Sr. and Sharon Spence, told WALB News that doctors told Sharon she would not be able to get pregnant. When she did get pregnant with her son, Sharon sang to him while he was in her womb. She and her husband called Spence “M&M,” which stood for “Miracle Man.” Spence’s talent for music originated with and was cultivated by his parents: Sharon Spence is a singer and Willie Spence Sr. plays the guitar.
“He’s number two in ‘American Idol,’ but he’s number one to us,” Sharon told WALB.
Those who knew Spence from his stint on “American Idol,” including judges Lionel Ritche, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry, have posted their condolences and appreciation for the singer. Katharine McPhee Foster, runner-up on Season 5 of “American Idol” and Spence’s mentor during his time on the show, posted the news about Spence’s death on her Instagram story and later commented on his page, “Sweet Willie… you deserved the stars and the moon. I’m so sorry for the world to be robbed of more precious time with you. You were an absolute Angel. I know you are up there now with the rest of the angels. God rest your soul. For now I’m 💔.”
The GoFundMe page for Spence concludes, “On behalf of Willie’s mother, Sharon Spence, and his father, Willie Spence, we want to thank all of you for the prayers, the calls, the kind words, and the gestures. He was our gentle giant, who had a soft demeanor but a powerful voice. When he opened his mouth and lifted the Lord in a song, many stopped in their tracks to listen to him.”
