Winnie Beatrice Speed

Winnie Beatrice Speed, 78, of Malvern joined our Savior Jesus and her beloved Donald in eternity on October 19, 2015. Winnie was born November 25, 1936 in Prattsville, AR to Albert and Arrie Corley. She was a member of Sharon Rose Missionary Baptist Church. Winnie was a daughter, sister, aunt, friend, neighbor, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, and mother who will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known her.

Her family will remember her for her exceptional cornbread and beans, which in true Winnie fashion, she credited to a special thin pan rather than her cooking talent. They will remember the smell of the pre-sunrise pot of coffee enjoyed by the little lady sitting with her legs crossed who had reluctantly dragged a mattress into the living room for her grandchildren to enjoy while sleeping over. Soft-spoken and humble, Winnie needed only the small things in life to bring her happiness.

Her servant’s heart ran deeper than dragging a mattress. Winnie was the ultimate caregiver who always placed the needs of others above her own. She selflessly cared for her mother-in-law, father-in-law, and husband Donald during their last days. Her selflessness was exemplified through her marriage by her unending love and sacrifice. She was a true model of unconditional love to Donald and their three children.

Although she often cried at the drop of a hat, Winnie was known in her family for being strong. Even until death, her faith and strength never wavered. She never complained, and she wanted her family and friends to know that she loved them. We love you too, Grandma, and we know that you are only resting your eyes for now and that we will get to see them open again in heaven.

Winnie is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 58 years, Donald Speed; 3 brothers, Walter, Maurice, and Milton Corley; and 1 sister, Mary Gill.

Winnie is survived by her sons, Albert (Kimberly) Speed of Benton, AR and Howard Speed of Hope, AR; daughter, Mary Ann (Ken) Green of Flippin, AR; sister, Anita (James) Bane of Malvern; sister-in-law, Mary Corley of OR; grandchildren, Courtney (Lynn) Huneycutt, Ashton (Luke) Burton, Ellen (Channin) Lathem, Jared (Keara) Speed, Anthony (Julia) Speed, Benjamin (Destiny) Speed, Jill (Tyler) Middlebrooks, Jarod (Samantha) Green, and Corey (Ashley) Green; great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Isaiah, Anna Kate, Jack, Reid, Joe, Emma, Chloe, Kaidan, Corbin, Bentlyn, Riley, Eden Mae, Winnie Bea and baby Lathem soon to arrive; along with several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2015 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Atkinson Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be held on Friday, October 23, 2015 at 10:00 AM at Atkinson Chapel with Bro. Derwin Harris officiating.  Burial will follow at Damascus Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jarod Green, Corey Green, Tyler Middlebrooks, Anthony Speed, Jared Speed, Benjamin Speed, Lynn Huneycutt, Luke Burton, and Channin Lathem.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Ozarks, 701 Burnett Drive, Mountain Home, AR 72653 or Damascus Cemetery, 12249 Hwy 9, Malvern, AR 72104.

Arrangements entrusted to Atkinson Funeral Home of Malvern, AR.