Mrs. Margaret Valentine Speas was born on January 22, 1912, the second born and last survivor of 13 children born to the late Mamie Scales and Edward Valentine, in Forsyth County, NC. She passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, February 22, 2015.

She was educated in the public schools of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County. She was a proud wife, mother and homemaker for her family and a dedicated employee and member of the Larson Family. She became a hostess for K and W Cafeterias (Hanes Mill Road location) at 90 years old and remained in that position until declining health was her reason for final retirement at 95 years of age.

Mrs. Speas was a life-long member of Center Grove A.M.E. Zion Church in Tobaccoville, NC where she served as past president and faithful member of the board of deaconess for more than fifty years. She was also well-known in her community and praised for the support that she gave to the community.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by Samuel Elmer Speas, her husband of 58 years; three children, Ernest Odell Speas, Mamie Speas Johnson and Barbara Speas Peoples; and her 12 siblings.

Those family members who survive include three daughters, Joan S. (Napoleon) Cloud, Majorie Louise Phillips and Deborah Lee Speas; a son, Cary D. Speas; 14 grandchildren, including special and devoted caregivers, Derrick Speas and Wayne Johnson; 11 great grandchildren; 6 great, great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, extended family members; and the Center Grove A. M. E. Zion Church Family.

A celebration of her life and legacy will take place at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 1, 2015 at Center Grove A. M. E. Zion Church in Tobaccoville. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will greet friends thirty minutes prior to the service, 2:30 p.m., at the church.