Obituary of Mary Speer

Biography Kernersville-Mary Nifong Speer, 81, passed away July 30, 2011 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home as she was surrounded by her family. Graveside Funeral Services celebrating her life will be held 2:00PM Tuesday August 2, 2011 in God's Acre at Old Salem with Rev. Carl Southerland and Rev. David Rorie officiating. A native of Davidson County, she was born August 19, 1929 to the late Eva Sarah Jane Smith and Lewis Geneva Nifong. Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt as well as an excellent homemaker and cook. She graduated from Midway High School and worked at Duke Power Company prior to raising her family. She worked at Piedmont Hearing Aid Center after her children were grown. Mary loved music, playing the piano, and also enjoyed tending her flower garden as long as her health permitted. Mary embraced her Moravian heritage. She was a member of Home Moravian Church, serving as a diener, making candles, working in the candle tea as well as cooking and serving in the kitchen. In addition to her parents she also was preceded in death by her son Steven Lewis Speer in 2002. Survivors include her husband of sixty years John Richard Speer of King; son Richard Walter Speer and Wanda of Kernersville; grandchildren Mary Speer Crews (Joe) of Durham, Richard Walter Speer, Jr. and Mona Michelle Speer of Kernersville; great-granddaughter Amaya Cammer Crews of Durham; special brother and sister-in-law Roy and Grace Nifong of Winston-Salem who have been so very faithful and caring; nieces Marianne Raker (Gwyn) of Roswell, Georgia, and Susan Williamson (Rick) of Winston-Salem. The family will visit with friends from 6-8pm Monday evening at the Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Home. Friends may sign, and view, the guestbook at www.Pierce-JeffersonFuneralService.com Memorials may be made to the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission, or the charity of the donor's choice. The family would like to thank Bobbie Harrison of Kernersville, for being not only a compassionate caregiver but also a special friend. The family would also like to express appreciation to Village Care of King for the exceptional care given to Mary. Service Information