Barbara Haynes Speed

1938 - 2025

Barbara Haynes Speed

March 24, 1938 - November 14, 2025

Tarboro, North Carolina - Barbara Haynes Speed passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on November 14, 2025. She was born on March 24, 1938, in Concord, NC. She was the daughter of Grady J. and Annie Johnson Haynes, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Eugene "Gene" T. Speed, Jr.; brother, Grady J. Haynes, Jr.; and nephew, Richard Carl Haynes.

After graduation from Johns Hopkins University, Barbara married Gene and they were blessed with two children. Barbara worked full time most of her adult life with 25 years being in the business arena. Outside of work, she was always involved in the children's school activities which led her to serve on the Board of Directors, act as PTO Chairperson and ultimately, she was appointed to and served as Administrator/Head Mistress of TEA. When that position ended, Barbara continued teaching full-time and then substitute teacher capacities at TEA and Hobgood Academy until 2020, when she retired.

Barbara loved her Lord and Savior. She was a member of Speed Baptist Church for almost 70 years where she was very active, serving in numerous capacities. She was kind and generous with her love and was always doing for others. Barbara gave much of her life over the last 10 years to caring for her beloved husband whose health declined with Alzheimer's disease. Even in those toughest times, her light continued to shine so brightly.

Barbara's children and grandchildren were her pride and greatest joy. Her devotion to them was palpable. Food was one of Barbara's expressions of love and gratitude for friends and family, bringing smiles and calories to all who enjoyed her treats.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory and to carry on her legacy of generosity and love, her children, Eugene T. Speed, III (Glenn), and Susan Haynes Speed Suiter (Stokes); god-child, Mary Elizabeth Speed Caudill (Robert); grandchildren, Edward L. Hull, Jr. (Jamie), Katie Lee Speed (fiancé, John), and Eugene T. Speed, IV (Avery); two adored great-grandbabies who filled Grammy's heart and mind in her final days, Harper Hull and Hayes Travis Speed; sisters-in-law Janice Kelly, and Brenda Speed Eagles; and her treasured nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Speed Baptist Church, 202 Church Street, Speed, NC 27881. A graveside committal will immediately follow. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10 am.

Services provided by Davis-Little Funerals, Rocky Mount. A full obituary can be found at www.davislittlefunerals.com.