Mrs. Audrey Martin Speer, age 83, of 341 Smith Street, Hartwell, GA, died Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at Athens Regional Medical Center.

Born June 10, 1926 in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of the late William (Bill) Martin and Caroline Bruzgas Martin.

Audrey was the classic American Naval military wife with all the duties associated with the same and raising a brood of 7 children during the 50's, 60's and 70's. She had been the President of a Navy Wives Club chapter, a Cub Scout den mother and an avid 10 pin bowler. She was finally able to find time and began working for the Civil Service late 60's at a base in Oakland, California as an office clerk. Her main career started at Patuxent River, Maryland in 1970, when she was assigned as the Administrative Officer for the Strike Aircraft Test Squadron and later the Naval Air Test Center. She then worked in the Human Resources Department/Travel and Relocation office and processed Permanent Change of Station requests for the command until her retirement in the early 90's. Upon her retirement, she was awarded the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award for her dedication and outstanding service to the Department of the Navy. She, along with her late husband, the US Navy veteran James "Ed" Speer, retired to Hart County in 1995. They lived in the Paynes Creek area until he passed in 2002. She downsized and bought her cute little yellow house on Smith Street. She kept active with her volunteer work with the Hart County Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, selling tickets at the Hart County Theater and playing bridge with her friends.

She was a devoted member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church and volunteered for many of their committees; some of them included The Bereavement Ministry, Building Committee/Fund Raising Team, Christ Renews His Parish "CRHP", The Ladies Circle, The Parish Council, Young at Heart, Lector among many others.

She is survived by all of her 7 of her children: James E. Speer Jr., Seattle, WA. Carol Levenherz, New Fairfield, Ct., Tom W. Speer, Atlanta, Ga., Charles M. Speer, Corona, Ca., John J. Speer, Snohomish, WA, R. Mike Speer, Hartwell, Ga. and Melanie A. Speer, Dana Point, Ca., She was also blessed with 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Her Memorial Service will be at 12 noon on May 22nd, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 1009 Benson St. Hartwell Ga., a luncheon will follow at the fellowship hall and she'll be buried at Nancy Hart Memorial Cemetery at 3:00 pm. Memorials may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 1009 Benson Street, Hartwell, GA 30643. Flowers will be accepted for delivery at the church from 9:00 am -11:30 am.