Sunrise:  March 05, 1939

Sunset:  July 26, 2025

Portsmouth, VA  –  Bettie Spence, “Bettie Mae”, 86, departed this life on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at her home in Portsmouth, VA.  She was born on March 05, 1939 to the late Benjamin Freeman Rosa Mullen Freeman.  Bettie Mae was predeceased by three brothers, Benjamin Jr., Ray Dewey and Allen Bernard Freeman; son, Kevin Spence; and grandson, Rolin Hill.

She is survived by three children, Rochelle Brockenborough, Tracey Prayer and Gail Hill; one sister, Doris Copeland; five grandchildren, Nicholas Prayer, Chan Hill, Courtney Brockenborough (Jeremy), Kirstin Brockenborough (Addae) and Corey Hill; one great grandchild, Amira Rhoden; and two god-daughters, Dara James and Camille Joi Jackson; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends in her local community.

Bettie Mae was a long-time teacher’s assistant in the Chesapeake Public School system for over 47 years.  She was a member of Rehoboth A.M.E. church.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, 11 a.m., at Rehoboth A.M.E. Church, 405 Shell Road, Chesapeake, VA.  Please join in to celebrate the life of Bettie Mae.

Cremation Society of Virginia, Chesapeake Office, is assisting the family.  Friends and family may share condolences and memories at www.vacremationsociety.com.