Sue Speed Beall

Martha "Sue" Speed Beall, of Luverne, Alabama, passed away peacefully at her home on March 1, 2026, just two weeks shy of her 91st birthday. She was 90 years old.

Sue lived a life beautifully defined by devotion-to her family, her faith, and her community. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose steady warmth and gracious spirit shaped generations.

Born on March 17, 1935, in Carrollton, Alabama, Sue was the daughter of Edward Speed and Elizabeth Hicks Speed. She graduated from Luverne High School before earning her degree in education as a first generation graduate from the University of Alabama, where she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. After graduation, she began a lifelong commitment to education and learning.

In June 1957, she married her high school sweetheart, Dr. William Addison "Billy" Beall. Their 60-year marriage was a partnership grounded in faith, respect, and unwavering love. During their early years together, Billy attended dental school in Birmingham while Sue taught elementary school. The couple later spent time in Pensacola, Florida, during Billy's service in the United States Navy before returning home to Luverne in 1961.

Back in Luverne, they built a wonderful life centered on their family and community. Billy established his dental practice, and Sue continued teaching elementary education, touching countless young lives with her patience, kindness, and belief in every child's potential. Education was not merely her profession-it was her calling.

Sue was also a faithful and devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Luverne, where her quiet strength and servant's heart were evident in both word and action. Her life always reflected a deep and abiding faith that sustained her and inspired those around her.

Even after Billy's passing, Sue remained the steady center of the Beall family-a source of wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply.

Her legacy continues through the Martha Sue Speed Beall and William Addison Beall Endowed Scholarship at the University of Alabama, established by her children to support students with ties to Crenshaw County and surrounding Alabama communities-an enduring tribute to her lifelong passion for education.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. William Addison Beall; her parents, Edward and Elizabeth Hicks Speed; her sisters, Katherine (Freeman) Duckworth, Virginia (Arthur) Gilchrist, Bobbye (Tom) Shows, and Elizabeth (Joe) Cassady; and her brother, Emmett L. (Betty) Speed Sr.

She is survived by her children: Jeffrey S. (Jenny) Beall of Birmingham; Allyson Beall Carroll of Luverne; and Cameron Beall Jordan of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She also leaves behind her treasured grandchildren: Addison (Brooke) Beall, Kendrick (Liza) Beall, Kathleen Beall (Pete) Taylor, Lillian Carroll, and John Henry Addison "Jack" Jordan; six great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life; along with beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregiver, Vicky Register of Highland Home, and to the compassionate nurses of Aveanna Hospice of Greenville for their loving care and support.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, March 5th, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Luverne with Brother Clay Crum officiating. A private graveside service will follow at Luverne Emmaus Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 AM until service time. Arrangements are entrusted to Turner Funeral Home of Luverne.

Active pallbearers will be Addison Beall, Kendrick Beall, Pete Taylor, Jack Jordan, Warren Shows, and Johnston Parrish.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Luverne First Baptist Church, 45 East Third Street, Luverne, AL 36049; Crenshaw Christian Academy, 608 Country Club Drive, Luverne, AL 36049; or to a charity of your choice.

Sue's life was a testament to the quiet power of love, faith, and steadfast devotion. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.