Ms. Anthonese Speer

Anthonese “Nene” Speer was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 28, 1958, to Judge Carlton Speer and Edna Grace Speer. She was the second oldest of six siblings: Gary Speer, Debra Barker, Geraldine Matthews, Jefferey Speer, and Neal Speer. Affectionately known as Nene, Anthonese was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and second mother. To know her was to know a woman who loved deeply, gave generously, and showed up faithfully for the people she called family. She possessed a quiet strength and gentle spirit and was patient, kind, fiercely protective, and always willing to help. If Nene said she would be there, she was there. Anthonese enjoyed a long and accomplished career in the accounting department at USA Today, retiring after more than 20 years of dedicated service. Beyond her professional talents, she was also known among colleagues, family, and friends for one of her greatest gifts: cooking and baking. Her meals brought people together, and her cakes were especially memorable. Her food did more than feed people—it created memories and became part of countless celebrations. Creativity touched every part of Nene’s life. She had a natural eye for interior design, an appreciation for beautiful things, and a deep pride in Black history and culture. She filled her home with Black art and imagery celebrating the beauty, dignity, creativity, and history of Black people. Music was another language Nene spoke fluently. She loved 1970s soul, funk, blues, and jazz and delighted in introducing younger generations to the music she loved. Her musical influence became part of the soundtrack of the lives of those closest to her. Yet Nene’s greatest legacy was not her career, her creativity, her cooking, or her favorite music. Her greatest legacy is the way she loved people. She was present for proms, birthdays, graduations, family gatherings, milestones, difficult seasons, and ordinary days that became special simply because she was there. She was deeply devoted to her family, especially her mother and the younger generations, including her great-nephew, Royce. Even while facing significant health challenges of her own, she continued to care for those around her. Nene’s life reminds us that love is often expressed in the simplest ways: through patience, consistency, a home-cooked meal, a phone call, a helping hand, and simply showing up. Though her family grieves her absence deeply, there is comfort in knowing she is no longer burdened by physical suffering. Her body may have grown tired, but the love she poured into this world remains—in every recipe remembered, every song shared, every family tradition, and every story that begins, “Remember when Nene…” We all will miss her smile, her cakes, her creativity, her humor, her wisdom, her gentleness, and her unwavering support. But above all, we will miss her presence. As we mourn the woman who was always there for us, we celebrate a life that mattered and a love freely and generously given. Rest peacefully, Nene. Your work here is complete. Your love remains, and your memory will live forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved you.

Ms. Anthonese Speer

August 28, 1958 - August 15, 2026