Born August 24, 1932 in Huntsville, Alabama to Wilbur

Hartfield and Gladys Chambers, who proceeded him

in death. He was the only child and was cared for

throughout his childhood by his loving grandmother,

Clara Chambers, and dear great-grandmother, Mattie

McVay, who also proceeded him in death.

John accepted Christ at an early age. At the age of

12, he relocated to East. St. Louis, Illinois, where he

attended school in East St. Louis District 189 and

graduated from Lincoln High School (Class of 1951).

Upon graduation, John was enlisted in the United

States Army, where he proudly served his country. He

was later employed as a union laborer for the General

Steel Castings Corporation and the Construction

Labor Local 100, where he retired in 1997. After

retirement, John accepted a part-time position with

the St. Louis International Bowling Museum and Hall

of Fame.

John was a loving, kind and witty person, who

enjoyed life. Although, he did not enjoy a lot of

“fanfare” (as he would say), he always made his

presence known with his quiet and observant

demeanor. He enjoyed sharing stories with his

children and grandchildren, as well as educating them

with a genuine display of his extensive vocabulary.

John especially enjoyed attending church, serving on

the usher board, listening to jazz music, watching

movies and spending quality time with his family and

friends.

John transitioned from labor to reward on Friday,

May 17, 2013. He leaves to cherish his memory his

son, Thomas Spencer and daughter, Tracy (Alfred)

Jones; grandchildren, Aundrea (Viconto) Johnson;

Adrienne Spencer; Darius Jefferson; Anthony Beckley

II; Amber Spencer; and Ashalai Jones; greatgrandchildren,

Darianna Jefferson; Bailei Johnson;

Bricyn Johnson; Kaleb Bender; and Anthony Beckley.

He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of

relatives and special friends, including Ronald and

Katie Jones, Leonard Neeley, Ronaldo Young, James

Coates, Ressie Holton and Ray Willis, who proceeded him

in death.