Shirley Ann Speak

Shirley Ann Leatherman Speak, 87, of Thurmont, MD, passed on Friday November 17, 2023 surrounded by her family. Born May 27, 1936 to the late Robert D. and Lillian E. (Harper) Leatherman. She was the beloved wife to the late Jesse Joy Speak, Sr., whom she married on April 10, 1954.

Shirley graduated from Frederick High School in 1954. Shirley and her husband Jesse would begin dairy farming with his family in 1955. They would later start their own dairy farm in 1959 and become members of the Frederick County Farm Bureau. Shirley would later work as a courier for Data Direct as well as helping at her son’s business, Speak Automotive.

She volunteered her time at the Citizens Care and Rehab. Center. She would bowl with the Glade Valley Ladies in Walkersville. She also played card games like 500 and Catch the 5. Shirley was an amazing cook, who won numerous blue ribbons at the Great Frederick Fair for her donuts and rolls.

Shirley liked to travel to Ocean City and take various bus trips. She will be most remembered for her laughter and how much she loved spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by; her children, Jesse J. Speak, Jr. (Janet), Thomas D. Speak (Angela), Kathy L. Speak, and Donna Speak, her grandchildren; Jesse Speak, III (Amy), Derrick Speak (Titi), Bradley Stidom (Melissa), Eric Speak, Mark Speak, and Danielle Eyler, great- grandchildren; Alexis, Ryan, Corey, Skylar, Madison, Cassie, Jesse, Derrick Jr, and great-great granddaughter Charlotte and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she is predeceased by; her son Mark R. Speak and her siblings Dwight Leatherman and Nancy Cleveland.

Family and friends can gather at the Keeney and Basford Funeral Homes, P.A., 106 East Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701, on Tuesday November 21, 2023 from 3pm to 7pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday November 22, 2023 at 2pm. Interment to follow at Utica Cemetery, Thurmont.

Online condolences can be made at www.KeeneyBasford.com