Autis C. Speights

MADISON-Autis C. Speights, age 47, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at the UW Hospital in Madison. She was born on April 24, 1962 in Prentiss, Mississippi, the daughter of Hubert and Tressie (Burkett) Speights. A 1980 graduate of Belleville High School, Michigan, Autis went on to further her education earning two Associate degrees in Radiology from Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1996 from the College of Saint Francis in Joliet, Illinois and a Masters of Business Administration from North Central Collage, Naperville, Illinois in 1999. As Executive Director, Autis was responsible for the planning, organization, and direction of all operational and administrative aspects of Turville Bay. In addition, she served as spokesperson for the organization and interacted with a broad array of physicians, healthcare facilities, vendors, community leaders and business executives. Autis was a great supporter of cancer awareness and led Turville Bay\'s efforts to sponsor the Susan G. Komen \"Rock for the Cure\" Madison Campaign, raising thousands of dollars to support breast cancer research in the community. Autis was respected by all as a great leader and will be sincerely missed. She is survived by her father, Hubert Speights; her mother, Tressie Speights; two brothers, Mark and Paul Speights; four sisters, Sheila, Sonya and Sharon Speights and Taneisha Wells; two nieces, Nyla and Ayanna Wells and a nephew, Jarvis Speights. Memorial services will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton at 7:00 PM on Thursday, January 28, 2010 with the Reverend Ridley Usherwood presiding. Friends may call on Thursday from 5:00 PM until the time of the service at the funeral home.Unfortunately, death has a way of coming too soon. On her behalf, let us thank you for the cards, gifts, hard work, and yes love. I know she wished she had been able to tell you herself how much all this meant. Visitation: Friends may call on Thursday from 5:00 PM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Service: Memorial services will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton at 7:00 PM on Thursday, January 28, 2010 with the Reverend Ridley Usherwood presiding.