Norma Speights

Norma Jean Speights passed away into the loving arms of the Lord Jesus Christ, on May 18, 2018 at home surrounded by her loving children. She was born in Walthall County, MS, on November 21, 1935.

She is survived by her children; Debra Jackson ( Burt ) Painesville , OH; James “ Randy “ Speights (Arlene)  Brandon;  Rhonda Smith ( Joe ) Brandon; Michael Speights ( Michele) Byram; Lisa Barthel ( Eric ) Collierville, TN; eleven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and a sister MS Jo Lynn Davidson, Stonewall MS.

She is preceded in death by her husband James Lowry Speights, and her parents Ola Otho and Hillman Elizabeth Magee.

Norma and Lowry raised their children in South Jackson, a place our family called home for over 40 years.  The Speights’ large open yard known as the “Power Line”, was a popular gathering place for all of the neighborhood children.  Many lifelong friendships were established while living in South Jackson.  Norma had a passion for children and was able to fulfill that passion by working at the Daycare at Alta Woods Baptist Church for over 18 years.  Following the death of her husband in October of 1996, she relocated to Brandon which quickly became her new home. She joined First Baptist Church and was able to continue her passion of caring for children at the church’s daycare for twenty-three years until the age of 78.  She especially enjoyed the dear friendships of her co-workers, choir members, and members of her Sunday School class. In addition to her passion for her work and her church, Norma loved reading, gardening, antiquing, and scrapbooking.

After being diagnosed with cancer over twenty years ago, she showed strength, courage, and tremendous faith while enduring multiple surgeries and numerous treatments.  She loved to attend church and had a desire to continue to grow in faith and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.  One of her favorite verses of scripture that provided her motivation to endure her battle with cancer is II Corinthians 12: 8-10: 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

During this time, she made a conscientious effort to focus on spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She became a “Road Warrior” traveling to Houston, Texas, Louisville Kentucky, Cleveland, Ohio, and Collierville Tennessee to visit with her children and grandchildren. She loved attending football games, baseball games, soccer games, band concerts and competitions, High School and College graduations, and a Marine Corps graduation in San Diego, California.  She was always up for a good “road trip” especially if it involved visiting family, antiquing, visiting Amish communities, or attending a football game.

She cherished making memories with her family and her pet dog “Pepper” of 14 years.

Although she lost her dad when she was a young child, he left a lasting impression upon her life and she always cherished fond memories of growing up in Walthall County with her mother, her father, and her sister “Jo Lynn”.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at Ott & Lee funeral home in Brandon from 5 to 7 pm. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at First Baptist Church 309 South College Street Brandon, MS at 11:00 AM following a brief visitation period beginning at 9:00 AM..  Burial will be at Oakvale Baptist Church cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her beloved husband.  In lieu of flowers, memorials, may be given to First Baptist Church of Brandon’s mission fund or daycare center, or Talking Book Services at the MS Library Association.  The family wishes to express a special thanks to the many people who provided her with love and care.