A Time to be Born: Chester Lee Speight, Jr., son of the late Chester Lee Speight Carr and Dalphine Speight, was born on January 20, 1953 in Goldsboro, North Carolina. He was the third of seven children.
A Time to Grow: Chester was educated in Goldsboro, North Carolina from 1959-1965 attending Barnes and Greenleaf Elementary Schools. In 1965, Chester and his family moved to the Washington, DC Metropolitan area where he continued his studies. He attended Roper and MacFarlane Junior High Schools from 1965-1968 and attended Wilson High School from 1968-1971. After graduating from Wilson High School in 1971, Chester joined the U.S. Army and served two years. After the leaving the Army, Chester went to the University of D.C., which propelled his becoming store Manager for McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken. His retail management would eventually land him a position with the DC Lottery where he would eventually retire early to pursue his passion of Community Activism.
The Community was the cornerstones of Chester's life. Over a span of 35 yeas, Chester would contribute to empowering the Ward 7 community. His numerous accomplishments would include spearheading the apartment complex, where he resided with his sons, into a Co-op known as the Hacienda Co-operative. Chester believed the tenants should have ownership, so that they could have a stronger voice and presence in the community. Chester would eventually become the President of the Hacienda Co-op and serve numerous year before moving into greater political positions in Ward 7. He was also known for the annual celebration at the Hacienda Co-op that would bring families, politicians, artists, community resources, delicious food, music, and games to celebrate the co-op's existence.
Chester served on many Boards and task force to include the Washington Area Community Investment Fund and the Benning Road Community Advisory Group. At the time of Chester's transition, he was serving as the Treasurer for the Fort Dupont Civic Association. Chester's undying commitment to the community would have him run for ANC in Ward 7 serve as the MPD for Ward 6 District Advisory Councils. He was an influencer on being active! He inspired community members to get out and vote for the DC Government officials to include former Mayors Marion Barry, Vincent Gray, and many D.C. Council Members including Phil Mendelson, Kevin Chavous and Yvette Alexander. Chester's support for the community is his legacy.
At an early age, Chester's upbringing was reared in the Baptist faith, but later in life Chester chose his own spiritual path as a devout Jehovah's Witness. He was an excellent friend and would go the extra mile to help you, especially if you wanted to pursue politics or community work.
A Time to Love: In 1965, Chester met and fell in love with the lda Moore. They married in 1971 and from this union, three sons were born, twins Jermaul and Jermaine Speight, and Chester Lee Speight, III "Player", who preceded Chester in death. Although Chester's marriage ended in divorce, his undying love and dedication for his sons remained. As a single parent, he raised his sons and they were the center of his life. There is nothing that Chester would not do for his boys!
A Time to Die: Chester transitioned this life suddenly, on Monday, October 26, 2020. He will always be affectionately remembered as a noble man who cared for his sons, his family, his community, and his friends. His passion for doing your best was his mantra. If there was an opportunity to make the community a better place, Chester would be involved and solicit and encourage others to get involved. He was forthright, no nonsense, encouraging, a compassionate person. He was one who never failed to help others in need. He was a great father and a great friend.
A Time to Carry His Legacy: Chest was preceded in death by his parents, Chester Lee Speight Carr and Dalphine Speight; sister, Cynthia Speight; son, Chester Speight, III "Player". He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted son, Jermaul Speight and son, Jermaine Speight (Ashley), four grandchildren: Danee Speight, Jermaine Speight, Jermaul Speight and Jayleigh Speight; sisters, Mary Nicholas, Dolphine Neal, Vanessa Kelly; brothers, Linwood Davis and Tareyton Speight; a devoted nephew, Anthony Carr; and a host of other nieces and nephews and other relatives, devoted friends and colleagues.
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