Bryson Sparkle Martel Spruce

He saw the best in me When everyone else around Could only see the worst in me See He’s mine, and I am His It doesn’t matter what I did He only sees me, for who I am Does anybody know that today? He saw the best in me. On February 8, 1963, in Gurdon, Arkansas Albert F. Spruce and Emma J. Cunningham welcomed the birth of a baby boy they named Kendall Spruce. They knew without a shadow of doubt that he would grow up to be a happy, outgoing person with a sense of humor. When Kenny was six months his grandmother, Carrie Mae Snowden took him under her wing and he was raised with Dessa Ann and Carrie as a brother. He attended Arkadelphia Public Schools and was a member of Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where he sung briefly in the choir. He was affectionately called “Kenny” by those who knew him. Kenny was a former employee of Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 2004 “change” was his ambition. He moved to Flint, Michigan and officially changed his name to Bryson Sparkle Martel Spruce. Bryson’s kindness and personality were his greatest assets. His charm and contagious smile would light a room. His closest friends were a mix of family, clergy and his “road-dawg”, Dayna Craig. He kept a deep and true commitment to himself, as was the quote from Shakespeare “to thine own self be true”. On Saturday, June 19, 2010, at Brian House Hospice Center in Flint, Michigan, Bryson’s spirit danced away from time into eternity. Those awaiting his arrival and to welcome him home were his beloved grandmother, Carrie Mae Snowden, his father Albert F. Spruce, his step-father Clarence Payne, a sister Danielle Payne, a brother Mark Spruce and a special aunt Bobbie J. Spruce King. Those fortunate enough to have personally known him, partied with him, loved him, and accepted him will forever think of Bryson as one of God’s most precious jewels. Because love and memories are far stronger than death, Bryson departs this earth in body only. His gentle and ever optimistic spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of his mother, Emma Payne of Flint, Michigan; two brothers, Vincent Payne and Jeffery Payne of Flint, Michigan; four sisters, Sandra Payne, Robin Farris, Lisa Payne, all of Flint Michigan and Shasta Bohannon of Atlanta, Georgia; two special cousins raised as sisters, Dessa A. Webb and Carrie (Charles) King all of Arkadelphia; two aunts, Shirley Cunningham and Lois Cunningham both of Flint, MI; one great aunt, Queen Ester “Jackie” Parker of San Francisco, CA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. A memorial service to commemorate his life will be held Thursday, June 24, 2010, at 4:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, where Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., is the pastor. Rev. Llewellyn E. Terry, Sr. pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church will preach a message of comfort and hope.