Mrs. Odessa Speas

Mrs. Odessa Ella Hauser Speas passed away Friday, October 8, 2021. She was born June 24, 1940 and lived in Tobaccoville, North Carolina most of her life. She was the daughter of the late William H. & Thressa B. Hauser. She was indeed unique and one of a kind during her 81 years, 3 months and 8 days! Odessa, affectionately called Deck by her family, graduated in the class of 1958 from Carver High School, Winston-Salem, NC. She was very scholarly and popular in high school. Odessa had the God-given gift and talent of music. Her rich, thunderous and melodious voice could fill the rafters of any venue. Odessa sang with the Teen Age Gospel Singers, who toured the circuit with Minister Shirley Caesar at a point in time. She loved hymns, anthems, gospels, spirituals and loved singing the harmony of á capella. Her occupations with DD Beans & Sons and Hanes were sprinkled with pride and efficiency. She was married to the love of her life and childhood sweetheart, Billy Speas. Their home was always open to family and friends, serving great meals and great fellowship. God added to this union three sons; Tyrone ("Ron", deceased), Mark Twain and Keith O'Bryant Speas. Odessa also was instrumental in helping raise grandchildren. Odessa received Christ as her Savior. At Center Grove AME Zion Church she served for many years as Director of the Kitchen Committee, President of the Stewardess Board, President of the Inspirational Choir, and secretary/treasurer of the Missionary Society. Deck leaves to cherish memories, her supportive husband of 63 years, Rev. Billy Speas. Her loyal sons and Daughter-in-Law, Mark and Keith(LaWanda) Speas. Grandchildren and Great-Grand child: Jametrice Speas, Jeremy Thorpe, Tatianna Jonte, Janiya, Rashawn, Ryan, Londen andKaden Speas. Deeply loved 'Daughters'; Robin, Jennifer and Pashara. Sisters-in-Law; Mary (Sis), Winnie Faye, Carolyn, Karatha Lavern, Vira, Adrian and Rachel. Brothers-in-Law; Rev. William, Allen and James Rober Speas and Micheal Scott. She was preceded in death by her loving son, Cornell Tyrone Speas, loving sisters; Betty Irene Giles, Pamela Undra Rhodes and Denise Hauser; her loving brothers, Robert (Nick), William (Sonny) and Thurman (Shu) Hauser; brothers-in-love, Robert Giles, James Hardin and Rev. Dr. Lenton D. Rhodes. Nephews; William and Donald Hauser. Sister- and Brother-in-Love, Norman Speas and Rev. Winnie Inez Speas also preceded her in death. Wonderful laughter-filled memories are left with her Family of Sisters and Brothers: G. Dianne Hardin of Winston-Salem, Sis. Forrest (Rev. Emanuel) Bonaparte of Claremont and Syteria (Rev. William) Puryear of Charlotte. May the work she has done, through God's Grace and Mercy, speak for her. As she would say, "Put the Amen at the end of that song". Amen, Deck, Amen! Rest easy, Deck. We’ll talk loud, tell the same stories, laugh hearty, sing some more and see you … Later! The Family will receive friends on Friday, October 15, 2021 from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm with the Celebration of Life Service beginning at 2:00 pm. Services will be held at Center Grove AME Zion Church, 7001 Zion Church Road, Tobaccoville, NC 27050. The Rev. Michael Frencher, Jr, is pastor. Due to CDC regulations seating inside church will be limited. The service will be made audible outside church. Services are entrusted to Douthit Funeral Services, 515 Specialty Park Drive, Winston Salem, NC 27105. (336) 896-0061. info@douthitfuneralservices.com.

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Mrs. Odessa Speas

June 24, 1940 - October 8, 2021