Nettie Gurganious Speir, 74, of Burgaw passed gently from her earthly life on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Ashe Gardens where Nettie has been nurtured for the past several years.

She was born September 30, 1941 in Pender County, one of fourteen children of the late Winston Allen and Vancey Norris Gurganious. Nettie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Fred Branson Speir, Sr. and eight siblings.

Nettie is survived by her sons, Fred B. Speir, Jr. and Winston H. Speir; daughter, Vancey A. Herrmann; grandchildren, Andrew and Victoria Speir; brothers, William Albert Gurganious and Franklin Gurganious; sisters, Ruby Johnson, Hilda Smith and Vancey Dyson; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Nettie loved her family and was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved all of God's beautiful nature --- flowers, blueberries, and birds. Nettie was a kind and gentle lady who always had a smile, an encouraging word, and a willingness to share with others. She was loved and will be greatly missed.

The family will receive friends 4 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 17, 2016 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Burgaw. Graveside funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 18, 2016 at Gurganious Cemetery, 8129 Shiloh Road, Watha NC 28478 with The Rev. Billy Fowler officiating.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.