Mrs. Marie Speed Dobbins, age 89 of Fayetteville, North Caolina, transitioned this life from labor to reward on January 31, 2025, at First Health Hospice and Palliative Care, West End, North Carolina, with her youngest daughter by her side. She was born in Harnett County on October 14, 1935, to the late Fred Lewis Speed and Beatrice Campbell Speed. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Lacy Larce Farmer.
Marie received her formal education and graduated from Anne Chestnut High School in the County of Cumberland. She spent twenty-six years as a civil service employee at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and retired in November 1993. She continued her education at Fayetteville State University, graduated in 1995, where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education, became certified and taught for five years in Cumberland County Schools at E. E. Smith High School.
Marie joined and served as a faithful member of her home church, Mt. Hebrew A.M.E. Zion Church, Fayetteville, North Carolina, and served in numerous positions (e.g.) the youth choir director, church secretary, and class leader. She was also a member of the Lay Council member and the Preacher’s Steward. On May 10, 1996, she was united in holy matrimony to her loving husband of the home, Randel Henry Dobbins.
She later moved her membership to Evans Metropolitan AME Zion Church, Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she served as a class leader. She worked diligently as a lay member, fulfilling her duties to the upbuilding of God’s kingdom until the Lord said, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” -Matthew 25:21
She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Beatrice Speed.
She leaves to cherish her memories: her husband, Randel H. Dobbins; one son, Jerome E. Farmer, Sr. (Glenda), of Fayetteville, NC; two daughters, Tisha L. Farmer of Hampton, VA, and Cynthia Farmer (Calvin) of Raleigh, NC; one brother, James L. (Jim) Speed (Cynthia) of Hillsborough, NC; one sister, Thelma R. Lattimore of Fayetteville, NC; four grandchildren, Vonita Marie Farmer and Jerome Everette Farmer, Jr. (Erica), both of Fayetteville, and Colin Alexander McEachin (Ashlin) and Corey Bryce McEachin, both of Raleigh, NC; five loving great-grandchildren, Olivia Irene Cox-Farmer, Quincy Xavier Cox-Farmer, Briana Rebecca Cox-Farmer (Jerome, Jr./Erica), Isaiah Javon Griffin (Vonita), and Clover Chaye’Marie McEachin (Corey); and she is loved by a host of nephews and nieces who loved visiting and talking with her.
Marie had many attributes which shaped how and why people loved her. If you knew our mother, you knew she was a very loving, caring, honest, diligent person, full of integrity. She was funny and straightforward (all rolled up) into one person.
Marie was actively involved in numerous organizations over the years (e.g.) The Order of the Eastern Star. She was very active within the A. M. E. Zion Church, serving as the youth choir director, church secretary, and class leader. She was also a member of the Lay Council, and a member and the preacher’s steward for numerous years. Marie loved sewing, trying out new recipes, shopping for the latest fashion, and attending all the conferences affiliated with the A.M. E. Zion Church.
Visitation: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Friday, February 7, 2025, at Evans Metropolitan AME Zion Church in Fayetteville, NC.
Funeral will be held 12:00 pm on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Evans Metroplitan AME Zion Church, 301 N. Springs Street in Fayetteville, NC 28301.
Burial: Rockfish Memorial Park, 4017 Gillespie Street in Fayetteville, NC 28306.
linda gaddy sent The Peace Lily for Marie Speed Dobbins - February 05, 2025
Betty McNeil sent Pink Tribute Spray for Marie Speed Dobbins - February 05, 2025
Jason Speed sent Your Light Shines for Marie Speed Dobbins - February 04, 2025
Ewanda Shelling sent Red and White Handled Basket for Marie Speed Dobbins - February 04, 2025
Judith Jones sent Gracious Lavender Basket for Marie Speed Dobbins - February 04, 2025
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You will be missed my friend
Sending prayers and condolences to the Dobbins Family
To the Dobbins, and Farmer family: My heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved mother, Marie Dobbins. May God's love bring you comfort during this difficult time. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." — Matthew 5:4 May her memory be a blessing, and may you find peace in the love and support of family and friends. My prayers are with you. Jerome, remember the sweet memories and laughter. Katherine
To our cousins Jerome, Tisha, and Cynthia, our prayers of comfort, strength and peace be with each of you and your families during this time of loss. May Jehovah God who provides all we need, your Mom's smile and laughter guide you each day of your lives. Our condolences, Ruth, Priscilla, Jerry and Darin. 🙏🏽
Our deepest condolences to the family may God give you comfort A beautiful woman of God always enjoyed talking to her. The Norris Evans Family ❤️🕊️
We are deeply sorry for your loss. We send our prayers and condolences to Deacon and Dr. Farmer and your family.
Sincerest condolences to Mr Randall Dobbins and family for the transition of Ms Marie. We had a class or two at Fayetteville State University. She was there for me as I was trying to get my Teaching degree. She was kind and helpful in my evening classes .She help me keep my head up and Forge opuntia the end.Rest on Soldier! Sincerely, Sylvia Moore
Condolences to the family of Mrs. Marie.I will always remember her as she was so kind to me when I started working at Fort Bragg over 50 years ago. We didn't see each other much over the years but when we did it was like the old days. She was such a sweet person. God has chosen another beautiful angel for the kingdom.
So sorry for your loss. Praying for the family. May God grant you peace during your time of bereavement.
Sending my condolences from Brenda and the Smith family during your time of bereavement. I can remember the times that we did see each other how much I enjoyed her through our laughs and talk. We love you all if there is anything that I can do please don't hesitate to call.
O they tell me of a home far beyond the skies, O they tell me of a home far away; O they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise; O they tell me of an uncloudy day. | Copied
Pastor Kenneth Swann and Cameron Grove AME Zion Church, Broadway NC
To the Farmer siblings and cousins, the Currie siblings extend our condolences on the passing of your mother and aunt. Ms. Marie was a beautiful neighborhood mother/auntie. Thanks be to God for sharing her with all of us for 89 years! May our Lord keep you wrapped in His arms.
William (Squeeky), Sharon (Nita), and Kimberly
May the love of God keep you and give you strength during the loss of your love one.
My sympathy and sincere condolences to THE FAMILY!! Marie, INDEED, was a Special Cousin: She was my Special Buddy ( played together as little kids)!!! She will be missed by ALL!
Our sincere condolences to the family. We our keeping you all in our prayers. Gail, Jr and Remi
Praying for the Dobbins and Farmer family.Praying and knowing God will keep his loving arms around you all during this diffult time. RIP Marie
Condolences to the family. Praying for the family. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Our sincerist condolences go out to Deacon Jerome and Glenda Farmer in your time of sorrow. Hang on to those memories you had over the years. God will comfort you. Keep trusting and believing.
MinisterFurman and Mary Cade
My Sincere and Deepest Condolences to the entire Farmer/Dobbins/Speed Families on the earthly lost of yout Mother, Sister, extended family members. " But Heavens gain. For the promise which GOD is to be absent from the body here on this side of heaven is to be present with the Lord on the other side of this earth realm. Aunt Marie will surely be missed. She had a sense of humor and funny in her own way and right. Sleep auntie take rest. You fought a good fight. Recieve your crown glory. I will see in the morning. You can't Crown Him until we get there. Your niece Rosa
Our sincere condolences to the family of Ms.Marie Dobbins,May the Peace of God Sustain and Keep You All at this difficult time. Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Pleasant Grove FWB Church Family. Dr.Alexander McArthur,Pastor
IllN LOVING MEMORY OF MRS.MARIE S DOBBINS
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
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