Mary Jo Speaks

She was born on December 9, 1934 in Sylacauga, Alabama, and moved to Lanett, Alabama as a young child. It was there she graduated from Lanett High School and met her husband, George H. Speaks Jr., with whom she shared a devoted marriage beginning in January 1953. Their union endured for more than 61 years, until his passing in September 2014.

Mary pursued a career in nursing, beginning her training in Biloxi, Mississippi, and completing it in San Antonio, Texas. She was proud to join Methodist Hospital - then a single tower facility - where she served with dedication and professionalism for over two decades.

Following her retirement, she enjoyed a quiet country life, spending time caring for her animals, tending her gardens, and gathering with family and friends. She also traveled frequently to Cancun, Mexico, creating many cherished memories. In addition, she volunteered for more than seven years at Wilford Hall Hospital on Lackland Air Force Base, where she assisted at the information desk and supported the pharmacy. She was also a devoted caregiver to her husband.

Mary Jo Speaks is survived by her children: Jeffery Speaks (Lynn), Kimberly Speaks, and Donna Van Wychen (Steven); her grandchildren, Ryan Speaks (Stephanie), Elizabeth Ryan (Tom), Jason Miele, Jacob Hotchkiss (Kaylia), Jessica Walls (Mark), and Cheri (Henoc); and her great-grandchildren, Dylan, Maddox, Greyson, Jason, Joseph, Wyatt, Isabel, Savannah, Alexander, Nicolas, Henoc II, Hailey, and Hannah.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 10:45 AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Shelter #5. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Texas Star Inn, located at 7621 Bandera Rd, Helotes, Texas.

Those wishing to share memories and photographs are invited to do so on Mary's obituary page on Sunset Northwest Funeral Home's website.