Mary Tom Reid

1925 - 2014

Mary Tom Reid obituary, 1925-2014, Nashville, TN

BORN

1925

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Mary Reid Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 17, 2014.

Born in Double Springs, Alabama, on June 13, 1925, Mary Tom Speer Reid is the youngest daughter of GT “Dad” Speer and Lena Darling Brock “Mom” Speer. Mary Tom spent many years performing with the Speer Family prior marrying the Reverend Robert “Bob” Reid in 1954. She left the group to support her husband’s ministry and raise her family of three children: Teresa Ann Reid Fontaine (1955), Cynthia Lee Reid (1958), and Timothy Scott Reid (1960). They moved to Ohio in 1961 where they lived and pastored until Bob’s death in December of 1968. After the untimely death of her husband, Mary Tom and children moved back to Nashville in 1969. She returned to the Speer Family on a limited basis for special concert appearances in the early 1980’s and continued to appear with the Speers until the retirement of the group. Mary Tom has also been a staff member of the Ben Speer’s Stamps-Baxter School of Music, secretary for Ben Speer Music, and quite active in the Gaither Homecoming Series.



Led by family patriarch George Thomas Speer (1891-1966), the Singing Speer Family was a well-known gospel group with its origins in Alabama. George Thomas "Dad" Speer, Lena Brock "Mom" Speer, and their children, Brock, Rosa Nell, Mary Tom, and Ben, were all part of the family group at some point. With the onset of the Great Depression in 1929, the G. T. Speer Family moved to Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. Speer made a living as an insurance salesman and a singing-school teacher. In 1934, Speer took a job with the James D. Vaughan Music Publishing Company of Lawrenceburg and blossomed as a music teacher and songwriter. He co-wrote many of his songs at that time with Adger Pace, who wrote the lyrics for Speer's compositions as well as for many other gospel writers who published songs for the Vaughan Company. G. T. Speer wrote or co-wrote more than 600 songs.



The group was popular for much of the latter half of the twentieth century, appearing on radio and television shows in Alabama and Tennessee and making more than 60 recordings. The Speer Family was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Gospel Music Association's Hall of Fame in 1998. Mary Tom Speer Reid was inducted into the Southern Gospel Hall of Fame in 2006.



Mrs. Reid is survived by sister, Rosa Nell Speer Powell; brother, Ben Lacy Speer; daughters Teri Reid Fontaine and her husband Shannon, Cynthia Lee Reid, son Timothy Scott Reid and wife Pamela; grandchildren Megan Louise (Reid) Layne and her husband Donald Layne, Meredith Lindsey Reid, Marissa Lee Reid, Allyson Rose Fontaine, John Robert Fontaine and Anna Lee Reid; great-grandsons Gavin Scott Layne and Liam Matthew Reid.



Gathering of family and friends will be on Friday, September 19, 2014 from four o’clock until eight o’clock at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN. In Lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Stamps Baxter Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 40201, Nashville, TN 37204 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 4825 Trousdale Dr, Nashville, TN 37220



Visit the online obituary: www.woodlawn-roesch-pattonfh.com



To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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September 12, 2021

Other

Larry Jernigan of New Bern, NC

Still miss this beautiful lady whose singing ministry has been a blessing over the years. What a gracious and loving lady, who is now experiencing the faith she sang so much about.

September 12, 2020

Friend

Sidney Knight

I still miss you so much. Enjoyed my times with you at Stamps Baxter School of Music when I taught private piano, I loved your family.

March 22, 2015

NIA

I truly miss Mary and fixing her hair at Bethany.

March 2, 2015

lisi Jones

She was such a reminder of my God fearing Musical Grandmother and she looked so much as my late BFF's Grandma "Linda"and I loved to watch her sing "He still Cares For You".She passed one month and one day later I see.God Bless The Entire Family!

February 5, 2015

Jimmy Mathews

Our heartfelt sympathy to the Reid and Speer families. Miss Mary Tom was loved by all. God rest her sweet soul. May God bless you all. Jimmy C Mathews - Troy, AL

Posted by Jimmy Mathews

January 2, 2015

Brenda Brinck

Sorry for your loss enjoyed watching the Speer's on Gaither home coming

December 21, 2014

John H. Brantley

My love and prayers extends out to the family of Mary Speer. I really enjoyed her music with the Speer Family.

December 17, 2014

Brandon Trent

Mary Tom's music touched my life many years ago. I pray for the family as they enter this holiday season. Her voice will be missed.

November 27, 2014

Sheriena McEvers

I Just read about her death. She had such a joy on her face. An era in gospel music is nearing an end. So sad...

November 26, 2014

Jacob Koury

As a fan of the Gaither Gospel Series, it pains me to know that they have lost such a an incredible woman. She really knew how to sing. She will be greatly missed here on Earth but we know that she is with Mom, Dad, and Brock now. To Ben, Rosa, Faye, and Mary's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

November 21, 2014

Mary Louise Doherty

I thank God for the loan of this wonderful woman. Her heart-felt gospel singing was evidence of a life lived with faith and grace.

November 13, 2014

Bernice king

So very sorry to hear Mary Speer has gone home to be with the Lord prayers to the Speer family

November 9, 2014

Joey Lewis

First, to all of the Speer's, I am very sorry to hear of Mary-Tom's passing. I loved her voice and her sweet spirit. As the song says, Another of God's singers went home.

I had the privilege to see Mary-Tom many times with the Speer's, especially at the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion. My greatest memory was having breakfast at one of those late-night jam sessions at the GOGR. My aunt's and I had just started eating when Brock walked up and asked if they could join us. I couldn't believe it. There was Brock, Faye, Ben, Rosa-Nell and Mary-Tom. After we got acquainted, I got to ask them all the questions about their family and let them know how much I had enjoyed their music.

We are losing so many of the true legends of gospel music. But, heaven is gaining and the music continues to get sweeter. I am sure heaven's choir was thrilled with the addition of another great alto.

Again, to all her family, I am sorry I missed her funeral, as I would have been there, just like I was at Brock's. May God bless you all in the days ahead.
Joey Lewis

November 7, 2014

Becky Berens (Williamson)

My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the rest of the Speer family that is left behind. And to all the friends that are now mourning that Mary Tom has passed. What a beautiful woman inside and out. I always loved to watch her sing. Even though she was just a tiny little lady she had a legendary voice that really came out. Heavens gain and our loss but we who know Christ will someday be reunited in Heaven.

November 6, 2014

Faye Carney

RIP sweet precious lady, your job here is done and you have earned your reward. May we all share a little of the joy and happiness with others we meet from day to day as you did your entire life. Until we meet again someday on the portals of GLORY RIP and enjoy all of heaven's glory.

October 21, 2014

Alan Mersereau

To All the Speer Family:
So sorry to hear of your loss. Always enjoyed those Speer Family Easter concerts at the Playhouse in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada back in the 1980's. Always enjoyed the music of Ben, Brock & Faye, Rosa-Nell and Mary Tom. The Speers were my favourite group and was so glad to continue with the privilege of hearing and seeing them on the Gaither Homecoming show, for the years that followed. God Bless you all.

Sincerely, Alan
from New Brunswick, Canada

October 20, 2014

deborah miller

So sorry to hear this sad news. She reminded me of my aunt eva every time I saw her. Enjoyed her singing so much. Our loss is heavens gain.

September 21, 2014

While we never met her, we have enjoyed her performances on the Gaither Homecoming series for many years. It's almost like we knew her.

September 21, 2014

Mimi Fees

What a special lady. Heaven gained another sweet voice. Prayers for all the family.

September 21, 2014

robin perry

great person....godly lady too...

September 20, 2014

Trevor Confer

Thank you Mary Tom for being a stellar influence in my life. I will forever miss your smiling face and positive energy. You were loved by all!

September 20, 2014

Sue Hollis

How I missed her home going I don't know. I loved listening to the Speer family and especially
Mary Tom I think of this family
Every where as Brocks death comes round his death and my moms was 1 day apart hers also to Alzheimer's . God Bless this family in this time of sorrow

September 20, 2014

Lori Watkins

Keeping all of you in my prayers. Another of God's singers have gone home.

September 20, 2014

Marsha Jones

what an incredible blessing her life was to so many-she is Home now and her health is perfect and our loss is her gain-PTL! may God comfort her grieving family and friends-such a sweet countenance she had along with her smile and that wonderful voice-began watching the Speer family as a child in Houston, TX-continued all my life and was so grateful to have opportunity to see Homecoming videos later when could not be at concerts-beautiful life so well-lived!

September 20, 2014

Ben and Rosa,I feel your sorrow but you and I know that the hereafter is our goal in life. Mary Tom will be singing with all the angels and Saints in Heaven now. Love to all the family.Pat

September 20, 2014

Bob Peacock

Always loved the and will continue to love the SPEER family music. Mary Tom's Alto will be remembered always. Thank you Mary Tom for your work for our Lord.

September 20, 2014

Rev. Ken Williams

Dear brother Ben and sister Rose Nell and all of the Speer Family. We will miss sister Mary Tom she was a wonderful lady. She has been reunited with Dad, Mom and Brock and many of the Homecoming friends. It was a pleasure to know her and hear her sing the many times we saw her in concert. Our prayers go out to all those that are still with us. Heaven is a sweeter place because she is there. We Love Y'all God Bless You is our prayer!

September 20, 2014

Suzanne Montgomery

Dear The Speer Family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. love, Suzanne

September 20, 2014

This leaves another vacancy in the realm of Southern Gospel Greats. Very thankful for the wonderful contribution of Mary Tom.
Beckham Wilson (Russell Springs Ky)

September 20, 2014

Shirley Viall

There is joy in the morning when a saint comes home and the day never ends.
Through the years Mary Tom has been a blessing to her precious family and friends and she has touched countless others with her music, love and witness. Praise God for her life. May Jesus hold and comfort her beloved family in His arms during this time of separation.

September 19, 2014

Mary Phillips Barnett

On behalf of our family Lena Pharr Phillips and Albin Phillips and the rest of the Phillips clan we want you to know how sorry we are over the loss of our dear cousin Mary Tom, Know that our prayers and thoughts are with you. How joyous Heaven must be!

September 19, 2014

Lori Northam - Fair

She had such a great impact on so many lives. I praise Jesus for her life and we are praying for the family. Love yall so much!

September 19, 2014

Claradon Wilson

I grew up in a family that sang gospel music. Dad and mom are gone now and I'm so thankful they took my sister and I to see the Spear Family when we were kids. I've loved their singing through the years. I can only imagine the singing that Is echoing throughout Heaven!

September 19, 2014

Chequita Taylor

Mary Tom you had a great impact on my life and my love for southern gosple music. You will be missed oh but what a reunion with mom and dad speer and with Brock ! Heaven now has another angel!!!

September 19, 2014

Janie Payne

Thanks to Mary Tom for embracing my daughter, Jodi Perry,when she moved to Nashville for a possible gospel music career. The career did not pan out but your kindness will never be forgotten!!

September 19, 2014

Mary Tom and I have been close friends since 1949...she has beat me HOME...TO GOD BE THE GLORDY GRETA STUART

September 19, 2014

Hubbard/Bates Family

We celebrate the life of a dear saint. Mary Tom will leave a lasting impression on countless people who appreciate gospel music. Our love to the family.

September 19, 2014

Nancy Daly

Great lady and singer

September 19, 2014

Lea Farris

Prayers are with the family.. Lea Farris

September 19, 2014

Ray Cooper

With deepest sympathy to The Speer Family. I have always been blessed by The Speer Family's music and legacy in Southern Gospel Music! Mary Tom's memory will live on forever through her testimony through song.

Ray Cooper

September 19, 2014

Faye Walker

Cyndi and Family, So sorry to learn of the passing of your Mother. Know that you have our love and prayers during this time of separation.

September 19, 2014

Rex Todd

Thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. God Bless you all.

September 19, 2014

My VERY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO BEN,AND ROSIE AND FAMILY LORD STRENTHING YOU ALL. DAVID MADDEN

September 19, 2014

Muriel Curtright

Praying for all the family she was a great singer In Christ Love Muriel Curtright

September 18, 2014

The Speer Family Was one of the first professional groups that I met. Somewhere around Jackson, TN. Have misses each one of them as they have left us for greener pastures awaiting. Mary Tom will also be missed by all lovers of this type singing. Will miss her much.

Doyle Smith.

September 18, 2014

Darlene Neptune

Rest in peace, I loved you and will dearly miss you.

September 18, 2014

I remember in the 50;s when Bro. Bob and Mary Tom were our pastor in columbia,tn First Nazarene Church. Have always enjoyed the music of The Speers.all of you folks are in our prayers.Monty and Laura Gilliam retired gospel 1460 radio Mt.Pleasant,Tn.

September 18, 2014

Michael Jones

Our thought and prayers to the family she went to a better place

September 18, 2014

Wayne Shelton

Loved to hear them. Her husband lived with us prior to the marriage. We were in school with Ben and Brock.
Blessings on the family.

September 18, 2014

My sympathy and love to, Cindy, Terri, Tim, Ben, Rosa Nell, Faye & families. Very saddened by the loss of Mary Tom but rejoicing that she has accomplished the goal she sang about all of her life! During all of my years in Nashville, before and after I traveled with the Speer Family, she was my "other Mom" (called her "Bom") and I loved her dearly. There will never be another one like her-one of the kindest, sweetest, loving people ever...and a lot of fun! Will miss her, but plan to see her again. Cj Almgren - Bakersfield, California

September 18, 2014

Larry Jernigan

I was very sad to hear that another one of God's singers has gone home. No doubt our loss is heaven's gain. I've had the privilege of meeting her at a number of Gaither concerts and loved to hear her on the Homecoming videos. She was a most pleasant lady with one of the sweetest voices I've ever heard. To her children and other members of the family I do pray each of you will find the peace of God during this time. I know what it is to lose a mother. There is no doubt she is now living the faith that she sung so much about.

September 18, 2014

Teri, thinking of you and your family. Sheryn

September 18, 2014

Thinking of your family. We lobe you all, Teri.

September 18, 2014

Bonnie Wacksman

To the Speer Reid Family, Words cannot express how sorry I'm over the death of Mary Tom. We have every Gaither Video, and I can say I always loved her singing Teaching momma how to sing!!I was just down in Dollywood and took a picture of her plaque, Rosa's and Gloria's. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. A Big fan from Upstate NY!!!

September 18, 2014

Jane Knight

I am so glad I knew Mary Tom personally and came to know her even better during the summer Stamps-Baxter Singing Schools.She was a precious lady and always had the most beautiful smile. Loved to hear her sing. Hearts are heavy, and no words can take the pain the family feels at this time. But remember, God makes no mistakes, We mourn her passing, but know that she has reached her eternal reward and is once again reunited with her husband, parents, and brother. We will miss her, but know that given the opportunity, she would not return to this earth to live in the body as she was. My thoughts and prayers go to the whole family. I love you all, and pray God's blessings upon you as you go through this time of sorrow.

September 18, 2014

Sonda Leonard

I've spent a great deal of time over the past few weeks thinking of you and all of the wonderful times I got to spend with you - from singing schools to road trips to singing conventions and concerts to many meals at your kitchen table. I will always think of you when I see a jar of Duke's Mayonnaise because that's the last thing we talked about while eating chicken sandwiches at your kitchen table. I will also never forget your beautiful smile and your angelic voice. I'm sure you're raising it high in the Heavenly choir now.

My prayers go to all of your family, whom you loved so dearly, and who stood by your side even to the very end.

Thank you for being such a wonderful friend to my family.

September 18, 2014

BONNIE FOWLER

I just want to say how sorry i am for your lost. Mary Tom has brought many hours of joy to so many during her life. It was such a blessing to wake up on Sunday morning before church and get to here the Speer Family singing. I know Mary is singing with the Angles in Heaven. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. BONNIE

September 18, 2014

Dennis H. Beavers

There was always much love for everyone at the singing schools from Mary Tom. She would come and sing for the students while Rosa Nell played.... much prayer for the family our thoughts are with you.

September 18, 2014

Rhonda Finchum

Tim, and Family, I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear mother. Please know that you are all in my prayers. I love you all!

Posted by Rhonda Finchum

September 18, 2014

VeAnn Nemecek Davis

I will always remember and treasure the joy, laughter and even the scolding you brought to my life. Your family is my family, and I love and appreciate every one of them. I'll try my best to 'keep those kids in line'.

September 18, 2014

TENNESSEE TOMLIN

we loved you and enjoyed you for many years you where a true ladey i was one of dear DOTTIE RAMBOS best friends and she often spoke of you and now
you are sheltered in the arms of GOD
I AM SURE THE FIRST WORDS YOU HEARD WAS JOB WELL DONE
TENNESSEE MICHAEL LANGSTON TOMLIN

September 18, 2014

Ron Blackwood

We, the Blackwood Family, join in heartfelt prayers and sympathy for the entire Speers Family, at the passing of Mary Tom Speers.

Ron Blackwood and
The Blackwood Family

September 18, 2014

Mitch Sirls

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. God Bless you all. mws

September 18, 2014

Chequita Taylor

My life was truly blessed by Mary tom speer reid!! She was a wonderful loving and graceious person!! My thoughts and prayers are with her family!! May God comfort you and surround you with his angels!!

September 17, 2014

Travis Kessler

I will always cherish my memories of going to singing's and getting blessed by the Speer Family. Mrs. Mary Tom was sincere and we need more of that today. She has met that morning and is at that glad reunion that we all look so forward to some day. May God Bless her family and give them the comfort that only he can.

September 17, 2014

Randall Sigmon

Prayers going out to this precious precious family during this time. I remember meeting this sweet lady years ago in North Carolina and the impression that she left with me still bares it's witness But what a day that's gonna be when we shall see her again

September 17, 2014

Susan (Watson) Bollman

My thoughts and prayers are with the family as you go thru this difficult time. I can see Mary Tom shouting, singing and running all over those streets of gold. What a time she is having. She will be missed tremendously, but she has only gone on a short journey where one day soon we will all be together with her. God hold all of them close to you that they might feel your presence in the days ahead.

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Funeral services provided by:

Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park

660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204

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