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Ms. Melissa Dale Speed, 65, a resident of Luverne, Alabama, passed away suddenly on Thursday, January 2, 2020. A memorial service for Ms. Speed was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7, at the First Baptist Church of Luverne with Rev. Clay Crum officiating.

Ms. Speed had a caring heart, which led to her working as a social worker for the state for several years. She was a devoted daughter, and spent her mother’s last years living together in a mutually beneficial relationship. She loved her family intensely, especially her son and grandson. One of her fondest activities in her son’s youth was watching him compete in sports competitions. In her spare time, she also loved cooking and discovering new dishes. She was definitely one-of-a-kind, and her memory will live on in the family she leaves behind.

Ms. Speed was preceded in death by her parents, Emmett Lee Sr and Betty Russell Speed. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Matthew Speed and April Byrd McDonald; her grandson, Thomas; two brothers, Emmett Lee (Pam) Speed Jr and Edward (Paula) Speed; four nieces, Lindsay Speed (Jay) Taylor, Emilee Speed (Mitch) Mathias, Jackson Lee Speed, and Hayden Lane Speed; great-niece, Caroline Taylor; great-nephew, Bennett Taylor; and numerous other extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Luverne.