Paula Jon Speight

Paula Jon Greger Speight, 70, passed away Tuesday morning after a courageous battle with various health issues.

Paula was born June 21, 1953, daughter of Frederick and Bettye Greger of Raleigh, NC. She graduated from Sanderson High School in 1971. She then attended East Carolina University where she received a BS degree in Education.

She then began her career as a teacher and loved every minute of teaching her “Speight Spots”! She dedicated many years of her life ensuring that her students knew that they were loved. She exemplified the quote, “I call my students “my kids” because in our year together they aren’t just kids on my class list, they become part of my heart.” While teaching in Wake and Johnston counties she changed the lives of many students and affectionately earned the title of “glitter queen”. After retirement in 2010, she continued to serve Johnston County Public Schools as a volunteer and substitute until her health no longer allowed it. Paula then filled her days with reading, cross stitching, walking, and gardening. She also enjoyed taking care of the animals in her certified Wildlife Habitat backyard.

Paula is survived by her beloved husband of 43 years, Roy Speight; her daughters, Cathy Sottile and her husband Russell of Red Lion, PA; Heather Pennica and her husband Tony of Angier, NC; son, Stan Ferguson and wife Jennifer of Garner, NC. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Brittany Pittinger, Peyton and Connor Pennica, Matthew and Joseph Miller, Luca and Nino Sottile and Lillie Ann Ferguson. She dearly adored her grandchildren loving all the time she spent watching them grow up and being their Nanny.

Paula was also the sister of Ron Greger and his wife Renae of Bolivia, NC; Brian Greger and his wife Daisy of San Francisco, CA. Additionally, she was an aunt to Jonathan Price and wife Ashley of Willow Springs, NC; Brandon Price and his wife Kelly of Raleigh, NC along with many other nieces and nephews whom she loved. Paula was predeceased by her parents, Fred & Bettye Greger.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, July 30th at 4pm at Bryan Lee Funeral home in Garner, NC. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider clearing a teacher’s classroom wish list, donate a book in her honor or by making a donation in Paula’s honor to The National Audubon Society.