Margaret Bowie Speaks

Margaret B. Speaks, 85, of Charlotte, NC, formerly of Greenwood, SC, entered into eternal rest on March 29, 2025, at Novant Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, NC. She was born in Greenwood, SC, a daughter of the late Silas Bowie and Christine Anderson Lewis. Margaret attended Brewer High School, Greenwood, SC.

Later she relocated to New York City, where she married the love of her life, John Henry Speaks, Jr. a union that lasted 62 wonderful years.

Margaret and John settled in the borough of Queens, New York, where they raised their two sons, Aaron Speaks, Sr (Charmange) and Douglas Speaks, Sr. (Andrea).

A devoted mother, Margaret entered into the workforce as a federal employee for the Veterans Administration after her sons began attending grade school. Following more than 25 years in New York, Margaret and John relocated to Charlotte, NC, where she worked for Mecklenburg County Public Schools and was active member of Logan Chapel CME Church.

Anyone who knew Margaret would recall her passion for drinking coffee, shopping, sewing, collecting recipes, scrap booking, baking, solving crossword puzzles, word searches, playing bingo and watching Judge Judy on television.

Margaret leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved and devoted husband of 62 years, John Henry Speaks, Jr.; sons, Aaron Speaks, Sr. (Charmange) and Douglas Speaks, Sr. (Andrea); a sister, Emily (Bobby Joe) Davis of Greenwood; six grandchildren: Anthony (deceased) Ciara, Aaron Jr., Douglas Jr., William, Olivia and Deltrice; two great-grandchildren, Delonnie and Leland; a brother-in-law, Willie (Liz) Speaks; and numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and friends who loved her dearly.  

Celebration of Life services for Margaret will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Little Zion AME Church located at 116 Grange Road, Greenwood, SC 29646.

Mrs. Speaks will lie in state at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the service hour.

Burial will follow in Oakbrook Memorial Park.

Pubic viewing will be held from 1- 6 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

The family is at their respective homes.

Percival-Tomkins Funeral Home is honored to serve the Speaks family

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