Mary Ellen (Dunshie) Speer, 93, of Beaumont died Thursday, May 13, 2010, in Spring, Texas. She was born February 17, 1917, in Hamshire, Texas to Ann M. (Vandenburg) Dunshie and Edward F. Dunshie.

Mary Ellen lived in Hamshire until her family moved to Beaumont in the 1930’s where she graduated from South Park High School.  She was the original liberated woman and worked at several jobs before working as Bookkeeper for Johnsen’s Florist for many years.  Mary Ellen also went to night school at Lamar University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. 

She loved gardening, and enjoyed bird watching. Mary Ellen had a great love for music as well as reading.  She was a longtime member of The First Christian Science Church of Beaumont, where she served in many capacities including Reader and Reading Room worker.  Mary Ellen’s family was of ultimate importance to her; as she was a devoted daughter, wife and sister.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, John V. Speer; her parents; and her brother, William C. Dunshie.

Mary Ellen is survived by her cousins, Elwanda Spurgin of Dallas and Helen Johnsen of Beaumont; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives who loved her and will greatly miss her. 

A memorial service celebrating Mary Ellen’s life will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, 2010, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont with Dr. James Blackwell, pastor of South Park Baptist Church, officiating. Interment was held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary Ellen’s memory to Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 or to Salvation Army, 2350 IH-10 East, Beaumont, Texas 77703.