Steven C. Spencer was born on October 2, 1948 at Mercy Hospital in San Diego, California. He was the first child of Betty Bonita Davis and Barney W. Spencer. He graduated from St. Augustine Catholic High School and later attended San Diego State University where he studied psychology. While at San Diego State he joined Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

He worked for the State of California for 38 years, first in the Department of Unemployment and later in the Department of Fair Housing and Employment where he was a top performer. He had recently retired from state service following a prolonged illness which he finally succumbed to on December 14, 2008.

His true avocation was promoting Brazilian culture and music in California. He travelled throughout Brazil in support of the many cultural extravaganzas that he produced. He will be remembered for bringing Carnaval to San Diego. His love of music was diverse; he could be heard listening to reggae, especially Bob Marley, zydeco, blues, jazz, and songs of the 60’s. He enjoyed playing chess and ultimately became a Chess Master. He was quite comfortable in the kitchen cooking cuisine from around the globe and was always enthusiastic about trying out new restaurants in town. He was a student of history who traced his family tree back to the Cherokee nation and studied his origins on the continent of Africa.

He is survived by a sister, Susan Christine Spencer, two nephews, Damien Beavers and Spencer Thompson, a great nephew, Rahall Thompson, and a loving companion, Freida Brown. His business partner Christine continues to carry on his legacy of promoting Brazilian culture in California. He also leaves behind a host of relatives, colleagues and long time friends who will miss his gentle ways and engaging smile