And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. ~ John 14:3

Mrs. Vira Estelle Hickman Speas, age 88, of Tobaccoville, North Carolina, was born November 28, 1936, in Surry County, North Carolina to the late Nomie and Essie France Hickman. She answered God's call and entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 6, 2025 at Trellis Hospice Care. Granny, as she was affectionately known, was surrounded by her loving family during the last days of her life.

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. ~ John 10:10

Vira attended the local public schools and was united in holy matrimony to Norman L. Speas, Sr. on February 11, 1956. Through the years, she enjoyed working in her yard and growing beautiful flowers. She retired from R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company after several years of service. Vira was a faithful member of Center Grove AME Zion Church in Tobaccoville, North Carolina where she served on the Deaconess Board, the Sanctuary Choir, and a host of other church ministries. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband; her siblings, Pauline H. Clark, Runetta H. Payne, Rev. Winnie H. Speas, Casonova Hickman, Nomie Hickman, Amos Hickman, James Hickman, and William Hickman; and her grandson, Norman L. Speas, III.

Her children arise up, and call her blessed. ~ Proverbs 31:28

The many loved ones she leaves to celebrate her life and cherish sweet memories are her daughter, Florinda (Dennis) Morgan of Winston-Salem, NC; six sons, Norman (Anna) L. Speas, Jr. of King, NC, Tony Speas of Tobaccoville, NC, Noble (Cynthia) Speas of Winston-Salem, NC, Nicholas (Jini) Speas of Winston-Salem, NC, Bobby (Penny) Speas of Greensboro, NC, and Kim (Bonita) Speas of Tobaccoville, NC; 25 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; and 8 great, great grandchildren; two sisters, Audrey Norwood of Tobaccoville, NC and Rev. Catherine Penn of Bethania, NC; two brothers, Billy Ray (Margaret) Hickman of Winston-Salem, NC and Gary Kilroy Hickman of Pinnacle, NC; and a host of other loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, January 17, 2025 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00noon Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Center Grove AME Zion Church. Interment will follow in the Center Grove AME Zion Church Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00noon on Saturday at the Church.