Shirley Ann Speakes

Shirley Ann (Higginbotham) Speakes, 85, of Springfield, Ohio went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 23, 2021 at Villa Springfield Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Springfield. She was born on June 8, 1935 to Leroy and Mary (Woods) Higginbotham in Springfield, Ohio. Shirley was the fourth of ten children; there were five girls and five boys. The oldest girl, Marie, died as a child. She gave her life to the Lord in October of 1972. There was a definite change in her life. Shirley often would testify that she “loved salvation” and that she “loved the Church of God.” She truly had an evangelistic burden and was a genuine soul-winner; Shirley brought many people to Christ. An expert seamstress, she was the church seamstress until her eyesight began to dim. Shirley made countless bridesmaids’ dresses and many wedding gowns, including her daughter's. She worked at Antioch College, Springfield Tent and Awning and Wittenberg University, and was able to use her skills there as well. She loved dining out at a variety of restaurants. Shirley was an avid cook and dished out dessert for church dinners over many years. She opened her home to many, allowing single women to live with her. Shirley was “given to hospitality” and loved hosting the saints in her home, especially during fellowship meetings. Shirley leaves to cherish her memories: her loving daughter, Betty J. Tatum. and son-in-law. LaMarr Tatum; sisters, Juanita Robinson and Donna Higginbotham Perkins; brothers, Walter and Donald "Bunky" Higginbotham; special daughters and sons: Lisa Speakes, Tony and Kelli Robinson, Wanda and Wilbert McKeithan; Erica and Josh Tinnehill, Angela Namutebi; her two favorite “bedbugs”, Michael and Bethany Kenerly; special friends: Sis Beard, Sis Stella Cavin, Sis Dorothy Burke, Sis Sandra and Bro Sam Cavin, Bro Anthony Washington and Christian Feliz; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Carl V. Kenerly, Sr.; brothers, Leroy Sr., Richard and Robert "Tommy Tucker" Higginbotham; as well as, her brother-in-law, William Jack Robinson, Jr. Visitation will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, April 30, 2021 and 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Church of God, 709 E. Grand Ave, Springfield, Ohio 45505. Interment: Ferncliff Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of KINLEY Funeral Home.