Naida Rowell Speed

Naida Rowell Speed

Naida passed away peacefully on Thursday February 4th, 2021 at the age of 85. She was born February 13, 1935 in Alabama. Her lively, caring spirit, and strong faith in Christ will be greatly missed by her family and all those who knew her.

Naida grew up in Selma, Alabama. Being the only daughter with four brothers she learned to be strong and stand her ground. She had a love for ballet as a young child and danced through high school, with plans to pursue dance as a career. Plans changed after falling in love with her soulmate and high school sweetheart and decided to get married after graduating high school in 1954. She helped support Bill through college by teaching ballet at The University of Alabama and afterwards opened her own ballet studio in Selma, where she taught for many years.

In June of 1973, she and the family moved to Buford, Georgia where she helped in starting Prince of Peace Catholic Church on Lee Street in Buford. Being one of the original thirteen families, Naida loved her church and played a vital role in helping build it to what it is today, with over 4,000 families. She will always be remembered for her love for her church and her Catholic faith.

Naida was preceded in death by her son, Mark Speed, her parents, Robert Rowell and Nadine Rowell, and three brothers, John Rowell, Larry Rowell, and Mike Rowell. Naida is survived by the love of her life, William E. Speed married 66 years, one remaining brother Robert Rowell residing in Birmingham, Alabama; sons and their wives Brian and Marla Osburn Speed, Keith and Lynne Shomake Speed; seven grandchildren, Jessica Thrasher(Kyle), Kali Arcega(Josh), Shea Speed(Brittny), Leah Speed, Kacie Waters(John), Ryan Speed(Sarah), Anna Chelena(Jonathan) and seven great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.

Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 2:00pm at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Flowery Branch, GA. The family will receive friends beginning 1:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Vincent de Paul Society Georgia. Checks may be mailed to Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 6439 Spout Spring Rd, Flowery Branch, GA 30542.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.