The Florida House of Representatives has introduced House Resolution HR 8105 to honor the life and legacy of E. Lilyan Spencer on the 120th anniversary of her birth. Born in 1906 in Tallahassee, Florida, Spencer was a trailblazer in athletics, education, and community service. She gained national recognition as a professional tennis player in the 1930s, winning multiple state championships and becoming the first African American woman from Tallahassee to secure a national sports title at the 1937 Southern Open Championship. Her achievements in tennis broke barriers for women and African Americans in competitive sports, earning her posthumous recognition by the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

After her athletic career, Spencer transitioned into education, serving as a math teacher, basketball coach, and eventually becoming the first female principal at Bond Junior High School. She was also actively involved in community service, helping to establish the Bond Community Credit Union and leading fundraising efforts for the March of Dimes. Spencer's contributions extended to real estate, where she promoted homeownership among both Black and white families. Her life exemplified leadership, resilience, and excellence, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire the City of Tallahassee, Leon County, and the State of Florida.