Verna Mae Speed-Hill

HOME GOING SERVICE : SATURADAY, MAY 13, 2017 @ 11:00 a.m. @ NEW LIGHT CHURCH IN HELENA, ARKANSAS. / BURIAL : NEW ZION CEMETERY IN WEST HELENA, ARKANSAS. Mother Verna Mae Speed Hill was born March 10, 1928 to the late Mr. Lee Williams and the late Ms. Clara Bradley in the city of St. Louis, Missouri. She was the 2nd of three girls. She transitioned into eternal life on Monday, May 8, 2017. Mother Hill grew up in and lived most of her life in the Helena, Arkansas community. She confessed a hope in Christ at an early age. She served as a working member of the Pleasant Joy Missionary Baptist Church in (Calico Bottoms) Helena, Arkansas, under the Christian leadership of Rev. Isaac Tribune. She was married to Mr. Allen Hill of Helena, Arkansas. From her first marital union with Mr. Cleotha Speed Sr., she was the mother of twelve children. She was a praying woman and strong in her faith. She lived her life as a Christian woman serving her fellowman. Mother Hill was educated in the Helena-West Helena Public School System. Her life was filled with raising her children and volunteering at her church. She was gifted with the voice of song, a talent he has passed on to her children. She sang at church, at home, and at community events when invited. She was a woman of many friends and the mother of all children. She had a wonderful sense of humor and always said things that made others laugh. She leaves many stories of laughther with her friends and family. While she was soft spoken, her character reflected patience, forgiveness, and firm accountability when needed. Mother Hill was preceded in death by her sons Leevon Speed, and Melvin Speed; her daughter Kathleen Speed; and her sister Rosetta Bailey. Mother Hill leaves to cherish her memory; her husband, Allen Hill of Helena, AR; nine children: Marine Young (Percy St.) of Helena, AR, Augusta Speed (Irma) Kansas City, MO, Cleotha Speed Jr. (Lavern) Kansas City, MO, Erma Conner, Kansas City, MO, Stanley Speed (Amatullah) Kansas City, MO, Lloyd Speed Sr. Kansas City, MO, Arkadella Jones (William) Tulsa, OK, Betty Carter (Leroy) West Helena, AR, Darvey Speed (Connie) Fayetteville, AR; one sister, Barbara Quinn, Helena, AR, three God-children, Annett Wilford, St. Louis, MO, Addie Wilborn, Marvell, AR, Geneva Jackson, Helena, AR; nine Hill children and a special grandchild raised from birth, Devine Hill, Helena, AR. Mother Verna Hill also leave to cherish her memory 35 grandchildren; 60 great grandchildren, and 8 great great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Verna Mae Speed-Hill

August 17, 2017