Joyce Marie Speakes

Joyce was born in Springfield, Ohio on September 14, 1938. She was the 6th and final daughter born to the union of John (James) Thomas Speakes (Ruddles Mill, Kentucky) and Genevieve Rankin Speakes of Paris, Kentucky.

Joyce was educated in the Springfield Public School System. She graduated from Springfield South High School Class of 1956. She was a proud Wildcat attending class reunions often and connecting with her classmates. She began her federal service right after graduation at Wright Patterson Air Force Base where she faithfully worked for 24 years. Upon moving to Dublin, Ohio she continued her federal service working for the Department of Housing and Urban Development until her retirement after 38 years of federal service. After retirement she decided to go back to work part-time in the Westerville Public School District as a school nurse until her retirement in 2014 after 10 years of service.

Joyce’s spiritual walk began as a child in Springfield, Ohio while attending the Church of God, Sanctified. Upon her move to Dublin, Ohio she joined Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church where she served faithfully under the leadership of Bishop Jerome H. Ross. She was an active member of the Voices of Triedstone until her move to California in 2014.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her five sisters, Anna R. Gutierrez, Evelyn Simmons, Genevieve Amelia Humphrey, Carsena Morgan, Dolores Hardiman and special friend, Richard W. Goings.

She is survived by her daughters, Jamie D. (Gerard) Watkins and Ashle N. Speakes; grandchildren, Spencer C. Gibson, Amber M. Gibson and Genevieve M. Speakes Watkins; nieces and nephews, Rosalyn (Gandhi) Noaks, Gloria (Bob) Henry, Robert K. (Lisalotte) Edwards, Stevie L. Edwards, Charles (Rita) Jackson, Marcia Ingram, Warren Humphrey, Eric (Antionette) Humphrey, Derrick J. Morgan, Stephan (Dara) Morgan, Ramon Morgan, Roxanne Norfolk and Rochelle (Leo) Washington; special cousin, Molly Thorne and sisters and brother in love, Loraine Glenn and Loueva (William) Carr and a host of great-nieces and nephews.

Burial was held at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California.