Tommie Jean Speights

Funeral services for Mrs. Tommie Jean Speights will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Saulters Moore Funeral Home Chapel with interment following in Speights Cemetery in Bassfield, Mississippi. Mrs. Speights, age 88, entered into the eternal rest of her Lord Saturday, August 9, 2025, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Saulters Moore Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Visitation for Mrs. Speights will be from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday morning, at Saulters Moore Funeral Home.

Mrs. Speights will be carried to her final rest by those honored to serve as pallbearers, including Michael Thornton, Patrick Barnes, Connor Barnes, Cooper Darnell, Mike Thornton, and Ryan Smith.

Tommie Jean Speights was born on July 17, 1937, in Madden, Mississippi, to Early and Maude Roberts Barnett. Tommie lived a life defined by her commitment to family, community, and an unwavering spirit that inspired all who knew her.

She dedicated many years to raising her family in Prentiss. Tommie was co-owner of Speights Cash and Carry for an impressive 55 years, establishing a beloved presence in the area. Additionally, she owned the Pink House Gift Shop, where her keen eye for detail and creativity flourished, allowing her to share her passions with others.

She grew up in the Laurel Hill community of Neshoba County and was a graduate of Madden High School, where she showcased her talent as a star athlete on the basketball court. She eventually earned a spot on the East Central Junior College basketball team. Her dedication to the sport also earned her an invitation to try out, and she was chosen to play for a women's professional basketball team. Although she was on the verge of completing her degree in Home Economics at the University of Southern Mississippi, her path took a fantastic turn when she met R. C. Speights. Just six weeks after their first meeting, they entered into marriage, beginning a partnership that would last a lifetime.

Tommie was known for her generous heart and willingness to help friends and neighbors alike. She possessed a remarkable talent in the kitchen, where her specialty dishes, including chicken and dumplings, dressing, and strawberry cake, became cherished staples at family gatherings. Alongside her love for cooking, Tommie enjoyed various hobbies that enriched her life. She found joy in reading, working in her yard, crocheting, and sewing beautiful clothing for children—handmade treasures that her daughters still hold dear. Known as Granny, she loved and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A member of Prentiss Baptist Church, Tommie was not only a pillar of strength within her family but also a revered figure in her community. Her enduring legacy and the love she shared will forever be remembered by all those whose lives she touched. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy that will always be cherished by those who knew her.

Tommie is preceded in death by her parents, husband R. C. Speights, daughter Kim Thornton, infant daughter Teresa JoAnn Speights, brother John Frank Barnett, and sisters Elizabeth Welch and Earlene Barnett.

Those left to cherish her memory are daughters Van Barnes (Shelly) and Carla Magee (Lance); son-in-law Mike Thornton; grandchildren Michael Thornton (Megan), Molli Smith (Ryan), Patrick Barnes (Lindsay), Connor Barnes (Le Anne), Macy Thornton, and Cooper Darnell; great-grandchildren Kaylee Thornton, Anne Sullivan Thornton, Charlie Thornton, Larkin Thornton, Baylor Barnes, Amelia Barnes, Briggs Barnes, Anders Barnes, Brynlynn Barnes, Banner Barnes, and Luke Ryan Smith; brother Lamar Barnett; sisters Irene Lewis, Hilda Knoche, and Mary Curry.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com