Mary Lou Carrell Speed went to her Heavenly Father on Oct. 10, 2012, at the age of 87.  

Mary Lou was born on Feb. 24, 1925, in DeSoto to Buford Addison Carrell and Loura Alice Grimes. The family moved to Oak Cliff where Mary Lou attended Roger Q. Mills Elementary School and Adamson High School.

Mary Lou was blessed to be married for 66 years to Col. Worth M. Speed, a Sunset High School graduate. Worth pursued his career in the Air Force, moving his family often. Mary Lou loved the military life and was a dutiful military wife.

She entertained often and gave her love and friendship to many. They also entertained many young people in their home, and she was lovingly referred to as “Mom Speed.”

Mary Lou was a member of Campbell Road Church of Christ in Garland for many years.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her adoring husband and lifelong friend Worth. Together they had two daughters, Suzanne and her husband Mike Powers and Joanne and her husband Ron Miller. They have five grandchildren, Dana and her husband Russell Gilbert, Mike Powers Jr., Claudine and her husband Miles Humphries, Regina and her husband Mitch Harding, Amy and her husband Josh McKiddy.  They were blessed also with 15 adoring great-grandchildren, James Newton, Chandler Gilbert, Addison Gilbert, Worth Gilbert, Ashleigh Humphries, Grace Humphries, Katy Humphries, Anna Humphries, Sara Humphries, Tucker Harding, Micah Harding, Cameron Harding, Sydney McKiddy, Collin McKiddy, and Ian McKiddy.

Viewing was held at Allen Funeral Home from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, and a memorial service was held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, at Campbell Rd. Church of Christ.