Jalen was born on April 2, 2001, in South Florida to his devoted parents, Jeffrey A. Spence and Dr. Natasha Myers-Spence. From the very beginning, Jalen was surrounded by love, faith, and purpose. As faithful stewards of Christian teaching, his parents dedicated him to the Lord at six months old, and he later became an active member of New Fellowship Christian Center in Opa Locka, FL. A spirited participant in the youth ministry and choir, Jalen brought joy and devotion to every note he sang and every role he performed, both at church and in school plays. He further expanded his gifts and passions at Freedom School at Trinity Church, where he joined the Gen2050 program, becoming a certified beekeeper—an environmental steward even at a young age. 

Jalen’s spiritual life was deep and personal. After many thoughtful conversations about his faith, he made the decision to accept Christ and was baptized on July 3, 2011, by his godfather and uncle, Elder Norvel Myers. Known for his insightful questions, quiet humor, and radiant smile, Jalen once told his family he wanted a white suit for Easter “so he could look like Jesus.” That blend of reverence and light-heartedness reflected his beautiful spirit. 

Due to a birth injury, Jalen began life under close care at home, where he formed an unbreakable bond with his father as a young adult, learning the intricacies of auto mechanics and life. Once ready for school, he joined his siblings at New Life Christian School, continuing his academic and purposeful athletic journey through Dade Christian School, PACE High School, matriculating the principal’s honor roll every semester at every school, and finally, Florida State University, where he graduated cum laude in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Even with his physical challenges, Jalen earned a first degree black belt and performed at many exhibitions at Master Young Soo Do Taekwondo Do and was an avid runner and lover of basketball. 

Driven by a passion to serve and heal, Jalen aspired to become an orthodontist, shadowing professionals at Great Expressions and Phanord Dentistry. During a sabbatical year, he prepared diligently for entrance exams and was accepted to several dental schools in 2025, awaiting a final decision from Howard University in order to make his final decision. 

Jalen lived with a rare combination of youthful joy, profound spiritual awareness, and remarkable respect for his family and elders. He resolved early on to walk faithfully with God, mindful of the weight of eternity and the treasure of salvation. His life was a testament to diligence, kindness, and the ever-present truth that God sees and knows us completely. 

On April 30, 2025, Jalen completed his earthly journey and took his walk with God into eternal rest. Though his voice is now silent, his presence will forever echo in the hearts of all who loved him. 

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving parents, Jeffrey and Natasha Spence; affectionate siblings, Imani, Jahzara, and Myron Spence; devoted grandmothers, Jacquelyn Finch (the late Joe) and Linda Dalrymple; grandfather, Recardo Spence; uncles, Elder Norvel Myers (cousins, Nigel, Malik, Troy, and Mykia), Gregory Spence (cousin, Mekai), and Christopher Spence; cousins, Andre and Aprelle McCook; along with a host of other sorrowing aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will continue to honor his memory and legacy.