Obituary of Spence Monts de Oca

Spence passed away peacefully with his family at Brightmoor Hospice of Griffin on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 after a brief illness.  He was born on April 29, 1979 to Patsy Dumas Brown of Barnesville at the Georgia Baptist Medical Center of Atlanta.  A lifelong resident of Barnesville, Spence brought joy to everyone that he encountered in this community.  He graduated from the Lamar County Comprehensive High School in 1999 and attended various day centers in Barnesville and surrounding communities since then.  His favorite of all, was Rob’s Place of Forsyth, where he eagerly attended with excitement and enthusiasm until his passing.  He loved Rob’s Place and was a beloved community member there for over two years, and the family greatly appreciates the engaging activities and purposeful, joyful and loving environment of this day center. Spence was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Barnesville and loved this church community deeply.

Spence will be remembered for the joy that he consistently exuded.  He brought light and life to any space that he occupied.  He loved to laugh, and his smile was radiant and contagious.  He was a great source of comfort, encouragement and motivation for his family and his caretakers.  He was always up for an adventure and he courageously and bravely met all of life’s challenges with hope, optimism, strength and a love for others and for life itself.  Spence enjoyed spending time with people that he loved, going on walks and rides in his van, spending time outdoors, listening to music, eating great food, staying active and being present with others. 

Spence was a blessing to others and he was always blessed to have caring and loving caretakers throughout his life, for which the family is deeply grateful.  He is preceded in death by his father, the late Mr. Jerry Brown, paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Brown and material grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dumas, all of Barnesville.  He is survived by his mother, Patsy Brown of Barnesville, his brother Blake Monts de Oca of Barnesville, his sister, Shelly Hood of Statesboro and his brother, Tim (Shannon) Brown of Thomaston, along with numerous nieces and nephews, and extended family.

Arrangements will be handled by Williams-Westbury Funeral Home of Barnesville.  A celebration of life will be held for Spence at First Baptist Church of Barnesville on Friday, June 7, 2024 at 11:00 AM with visitation at 10:00 AM

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in honor of Spence to Rob’s Place (C/O Ellen Criswell) 477 Sunset Terrace, Forsyth, GA 31029 or the First Baptist Church of Barnesville 200 Zebulon Street Barnesville, GA 30204.