AREA OBITUARIES – Carolyn Jean Speight

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Carolyn Jean Speight, age 82, formerly of this area, who departed this life on Sat., June 21, 2025, at McLaren Lapeer Hospital in Lapeer, Mich.

Born on Jan. 29, 1943, in Beelerton, Ky., Carolyn was a devoted wife to the late Jerry Duane Speight and was the cherished daughter of the late Francis “F.A” Ambros Byrd and Louise Byrd.

She was a loving mother, a doting grandmother, and a proud great-grandmother. She had a passion for sewing, she stitched not only fabric but also cherished memories, embracing every moment spent with her grandchildren. Her adventurous soul found joy in every journey. Throughout her life, she remained deeply connected to her roots in Beelerton, before calling the Metro Detroit Area, Mich., her home for over 60 remarkable years.

She leaves behind two loving sons, Shane (Kathy) Speight Sr., of Almont, Mich., and Michael (Lisa) Speight Sr.. of Riley Township, Mich. She was blessed with seven grandchildren: Michael (Renae) Speight Jr., of Lee Summit, Mo., Jessica (Christopher) Moore, of Mt. Gilead, N.C., Jennifer (Sean) Thompson, of Centerline, Mich., Stephen (Ashley) Norman, of North Carolina, Shane (Jasmine) Speight Jr., of Cape Coral, Fl., Austin Speight, of Michigan, and Cody Speight, of Michigan. Carolyn’s legacy continues through her nine precious great-grandchildren: Corey Johnson, of Mt. Gilead, N.C., Isabella Tucker, of Mt. Gilead, N.C., Isla Speight, of Lee Summit, Mo., Miles Speight, of Lee Summit, Mo., Adeline Thompson, of Centerline, Mich., Wyatt Humphries, of North Carolina, Addison Norman, of North Carolina, Emily Norman, of North Carolina, and Greyson Norman of North Carolina. She is also survived by her two beloved sisters, Delta June Byrd Williams, of Fulton, Ky., and Dottie Lou Byrd Brewer, of Martin, Tenn., along with her brother, Ambrose Wayne Byrd of Martin, Tenn.

In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Daune Speight; as well as her three brothers, Francis Alvis Byrd, Ronald Lee Byrd, and Donald Lee Byrd.

Visitation will be held on Mon., June 30 from 10 - 11 a.m. at Hornbeak Funeral Chapel in Fulton, Ky.

Graveside services will be held on Mon., June 30 at 12 p.m. at Olive Branch Cemetery in Cottage Grove, Tenn.

Hornbeak Funeral Chapel, in Fulton, Ky., is in charge of arrangements.