A service will be at 1 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church of Durant for Judy K. Speaks, 75, Mead, who died Sunday, July 1, 2018, in Denison, Texas.
She was born Jan. 28, 1943, in Durant to Elmer and Maxine (Shaw) Owens. She was raised by her step father James F. Loper. She attended schools in Durant and also attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She married Bennie F. Speaks in Durant, Sept. 14, 1963. She was employed Durant Public School system as a teacher’s aide in Robert E. Lee Elementary School.
Judy went on mission and choir trips with the First Baptist Church, where she was a member. In addition, she was involved in the church’s Widow Ministries and Keenagers. She went on choir and band trips for both her children. Judy was a member of the Eastern Star, Durant Chapter 17 as well as a member of the Eager Homemakers where she was once its secretary. She enjoyed collecting bells, snow globes, and cake stuff. Garage sales and antiques were favorite activities. But the most enjoyment she got was being with and attending events for her granddaughters and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, step-father, sister Jimmye Sue Loper and brother LJ Owens.
She is survived by son Bennie F. Speaks-Tanner and his husband Lewis, Jackson Heights, N.Y., and daughter Rita K. Weatherly; grandchildren Chelsea Fite and husband Justin, Calera, Corby Weatherly and fiancé Jake Bell, Durant, and Carlee Richards, Mead; great-grandchildren Hunter, Coltin, Dillon, Layden, Presleigh, Maycie; first cousin Joy Hearon, Miami, Okla. and nephew, Chris Owens, Dallas, Texas. She leaves behind many wonderful and lifelong friends. She loved her church, family and her animals. She will be greatly missed by friends and family.
Burial will be at Cedarlawn Cemetery, Sherman, Texas, with pallbearers Dr. Danny Craige, Clay Cole, Michael Garrett, Gary Hammel, Jake Bell and Justin Fite.
Those who wish may make donations in her memory to: Durant Animal Rescue Alliance, Inc., P.O. Box 103; Durant, OK 74702. Family hour is 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Brown’s Funeral Service. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownsfuneralservice.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Brown’s Durant Funeral and Cremation Service.
