SHIRLEY SPEED SPRUILL
June 28, 1958-Oct. 13, 2015
Shirley Speed Spruill, a dignified lady of grace and a devoted daughter and adoring mother, passed away peacefully at her home Oct. 13, 2015.
Her beautiful spirit lives on through her daughter, Nicole Spruill of Huntersville, N.C., and her mother, Lorine Speed of Goldsboro, N.C.
At heaven's gates, she was reunited with her father, Maryland Harrison, and her stepfather, Joe Speed; her son, Gregory Lamont Speed; and her five sisters, Katie Bobbitt, Lorene Speed (their mother's namesake), Arcelia Speed, Alberta Speed and Geraldine Speed.
Born in Halifax County June 28, 1958, Shirley moved to Wayne County during her adolescent years, where she attended Eastern Wayne Junior High and Eastern Wayne High School. She graduated from Eastern Wayne High School in 1976.
After completing high school, Shirley enrolled at Wayne Community College, and received two associate degrees, one in business and one in psychology.
In 1984, she began her career as an administrative assistant at O'Berry Center. She remained employed there for 30 years, while developing lasting friendships and creating wonderful memories. She retired from O'Berry in May 2014.
Never one to be satisfied with mediocrity, she enrolled in a tax preparer course for H&R Block in the early 1990s, then began working for the company.
She enrolled at North Carolina Wesleyan College in pursuit of her bachelor's degree.
Showing true perseverance, she worked a full-time job and took care of her mom at home, all while attending night courses to earn her degree. Upon completing her second college experience, she earned two bachelor's degrees, and her hard work was recognized with cum laude status.
Known for her contagious laugh, many may be shocked to learn she was also a very shy lady. If she didn't know you, she barely uttered a word.
A proud member of Best Grove Missionary Baptist Church, she was a lady of faith who always gave God the glory in all situations, bad or good.
A summer baby indeed, she was a lady who loved traveling, and had a particular fondness of the beach.
Also, she enjoyed vacationing in the mountains, eating at new restaurants and especially enjoyed breakfast and tea at Biltmore Estate.
I am thankful for the lessons that she taught me over the years, including how to make delicious lasagna, how to shop for bargains during the holiday weekends and how to make sweet tea using a coffee pot.
She taught me how to pray, how to ask for God's grace, and to sing to the heavens ... even if I couldn't carry a tune, which is a trait that I also inherited from her.
She also taught me how to be a lady and that a dab of perfume behind the ear has never hurt anybody.
Shirley was, in all ways, a lady; a lady of self-worth, courage, beauty and perseverance. Yes indeed, Shirley Spruill was a lady, and a lady always knows when to leave.
A celebration of life will be held for Shirley Spruill Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 at Best Grove Missionary Baptist Church at noon. Pastor Joe A. Jackson will be officiating. She will be entombed at Wayne Memorial Park North.
There will be a viewing Thursday, Oct. 22, from 6 to 6:30 p.m. in J.B. Rhodes Jr. Memorial Chapel at J.B. Rhodes Funeral Home and Cremations, which will be followed by an inspirational wake/memorial held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Professional, sympathetic, dignified and compassionate care and service entrusted to J.B. Rhodes Funeral Home and Cremations.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on October 18, 2015 10:22 AM