Mother Nellie Bryant Williams Speights, was born in Greenwood, Florida, to the late Mary Borders Bryant and Richmond Bryant. After a life well lived, she peacefully answered the Master’s call and transitioned from labor to reward.

At an early age, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and united with Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church in Marianna, Florida. Later in life, she united with Greater True Vine Missionary Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida, where she remained a faithful and devoted member until her health declined.

She lifted her voice in praise as a member of the Mt. Tabor Adult Choir; she worked diligently in the Domestic Engineer Ministry and was a member of the Mother’s Ministry at Greater True Vine. Mother Speights was also a proud and dedicated member of the Heroines of Jericho, Israel Court #74, embodying sisterhood and service. She was educated in the Jackson County public school system.

For many years she labored in various jobs prior to devoting over 25 years of service to the A.G. Dozier
School for Boys in Marianna, Florida.

Mother Speights had a bigger-than-life personality, and her love could be felt by all she encountered. She welcomed all into her heart and home, had a special compassion for those in need, became a true pillar of the community, and extended kindness freely without any conditions. As a dedicated volunteer at the Quarter Store, she met and befriended many, leaving behind countless memories.

Mother Speights found great joy in the simple blessings of life. She was gifted and enjoyed fishing, sewing, gardening, hairdressing, dancing, and cooking. She used her gifts as acts of love and service to others.

In her early years, Mother Speights was united in matrimony to Isaac Lee Williams, and later in life, she united in marriage to Eugene Speights. Through these unions, eleven children were born, each a living testament to her strength, sacrifice, and love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Richmond Bryant; brothers, Guy Bryant and Curtis Bryant; beloved son, Toby Speights; and son-in-law, Claude Misher.

Affectionately known to the family as “Honey,” she leaves ten children to cherish her precious memories: eight sons, Leamon Bryant (Tawnya) of Clermont, FL, Reverend Dr. Isaac Williams (Janie) of Pensacola, FL, Zannie Williams of Greenwood, FL, Marvin Williams (Lisa) of Greenwood, FL, Phillip Speights (Diane) of Hope Mills, NC, Van Speights of Greenwood, FL, Karie Speights of Lithonia, GA, and Alvin Speights (Trina) of Severn, MD; and two daughters, Dianne Misher of Odenton, MD, and Tongia Speights Chen (Marlon) of Roswell, GA. She leaves a rich and enduring legacy to be carried on by her 24 grandchildren: Maurice Bryant (Xylina), Shawnell Pastell (Paul), Shanae Bryant, Kevett Mickle, LeJon Misher, Andrea Misher, Dr. Remi Williams, Janna Williams, Zannie Williams, Jr., Austin Williams, Nick Williams, Sherrick Williams, Derrick Williams, Barbara Stewart, Krystal Speights, Aidan Speights, Aaron Speights, Ashton Jackson, Nicholas Chen, Justin Chen, Kadeem Chen, Taylor Speights, and Kayden Speights; 22 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Louise Speights and Betty Speights, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Though she has laid down her earthly burdens, Mother Speights’ work has been completed and her
memory will live on in the hearts of those she loved and cherished.