Geraldine Speight

Geraldine Speight, 89, departed this life to be with her one true love on April 20, 2021. She was a beloved wife, mother, Gran, teacher and friend to many. Born on October 2, 1931 to Loran Parks and Villa Reynolds Parks Lendermon in Hickory Plains, she also spent part of her childhood with her family in St. Louis, MO. Her family later moved back to Hickory Plains and it was here that she met the love of her life, Marvin Speight. Life took them many places during their careers, but they made it back to where it all began and called the community home for many years.

While raising a family and supporting her husband in his career as a basketball coach and educator, she also earned her degree in business education. She had a fervent desire for knowledge and the pursuit of an education. This was felt by the many students she impacted throughout her career. She carried that passion for teaching into retirement as she invested her time and attention into her two grandchildren. During retirement, she spent every day at her husband’s side. They were the ultimate companions and enjoyed raising cattle, gardening, morning walks, afternoon coffee, evenings on their deck and so much more. She was the ultimate animal lover - every cow had a name, and she never met a dog who didn’t love her. Her family was particularly fond of every meal and dessert she executed with perfection. While small in stature, she was mighty in knowledge, love, and care for everyone in her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Marvin Speight, one son, Steve Speight, one brother, Harold Parks, and eight stepsisters and stepbrothers.

She is survived by her two sons, Larry Lendermon of Cabot, and Scott (Donna) Speight of Hickory Plains; two grandchildren, Seth Speight of Lonoke and Lauren Speight of North Little Rock; one sister, Wanda Rosel of Searcy; one stepsister, Earnestine Craven; and two stepbrothers, Russell Lendermon and Doug Lendermon.

Memorial donations may be made to the Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Speight Educational Endowment Scholarship c/o Arkansas Community Foundation, 5 Allied Drive, Suite 51110, Little Rock, AR 72202. The fund supports educational scholarships at Arkansas State University - Beebe.

Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Hickory Plains Cemetery.  Arrangements by Smith Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe.  www.smithfamilycares.com