When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not here to see,

If the sun should rise and find your eyes,

filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today,

while thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,

and each time you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too.

When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand

That an angel came and called my name and took me by the

hand

The angel said my place was ready in heaven far above

And that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But when I walked through Heaven’s gate, I felt so much at

home

When God looked down and smiled at me from His great

golden throne.

He said, “This is eternity and all I’ve promised you.”

Today my life on earth is past, but here it starts anew

I promise no tomorrow but today will always last

And since each day’s the same day, there’s no longing for the past.

So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart,

For every time, you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.

Services Entrusted To:

Retired Sergeant Danita Joy Speaks-Scott

Life Reflections

Retired Sergeant Danita Joy Speaks-Scott was born on November 12, 1960, in Columbia,

South Carolina. She was the third child born to Mrs. Inez Smith Speaks and the late Mr.

Daniel Speaks. She went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, August

26, 2020.

Danita was educated in the public schools of Richland County, South Carolina, and

graduated from W. J. Keenan High School, Class of 1978/1979. She continued her

education at the University of South Carolina, majoring in Psychology and Criminal

Justice, and earned her B. S. degree in 1982. Throughout her life, Danita was dedicated to

serving others, and continued doing so in her career. In 1985, she joined the City of

Columbia Police Department, where she faithfully served for 25 years. During her tenure,

she impacted the lives of many, especially the children that she educated as a D.A.R.E.

instructor in Richland One elementary and middle schools. Those schools included Hyatt

Park, Bradley, Virginia Pack, and W. G. Sanders.

Danita had many passions yet bowling and traveling were among her absolute favorites.

She began bowling in the mid-1980s and made many friends and lifelong connections as

a member of various leagues in bowling centers across the Columbia area. She amassed

many accolades in her leagues and in tournaments including: women’s high average,

multiple high series, a 299, and a perfect game. She was inducted into the Midlands SC

USBC Association Hall of Fame in 2012. Danita’s bowling tournaments also allowed her

to travel to many places across the country. She enjoyed coordinating trips twice a year,

including a Biloxi trip every March, which drew many family and friends.

She was preceded in death by: her father, Daniel Speaks; grandmother, Lillie Jordan; and

a brother, Johnnie Lee Anderson.

Retired Sergeant Danita Joy Speaks-Scott leaves to cherish many beautiful memories: her

husband, Russell Scott; a daughter, Deidra (Reginald) Pompey, of Columbia, SC; her

mother, Inez Smith Speaks; a sister, Vivian Speaks; three brothers, Kevin, Alan (Monico

Wood), and Daniel, Jr. (Delmetta) Speaks, all of Columbia, SC; two grandchildren,

Jordan and Xander Pompey; a goddaughter, Adrienne Moultrie; an honorary brother,

Willie Lee, III; five loving stepchildren, Latoria Walker, Christina, Tawanda, Shantrice

and Russell Scott, Jr., all of Columbia, SC and their 12 children; an aunt, Mrs. Dorothy

Hammond, of Columbia, SC; two sisters-in-law, Karen Scott Riley and Jackie (Baron)

Jones, both of Columbia, SC; two brothers-in-law, Darnell (Kathy) Scott and Ronnie

(Gretchen) Scott, both of Columbia, SC; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, many loving

relatives, and caring friends, all of whom will miss her dearly.

Memories

Memories

Graveside Service Monday, August 31, 2020 – 11:00 a.m.

Call to Worship

Old Testament ………….…...…………………………….. Reverend Joseph Aiken

New Testament …………………………...…………… Reverend Michael Glymph

Prayer …………………………………………………. Reverend Michael Glymph

Selection……………………………………..………………… Ms. Valisha Adams

Remarks……………………………………..…Deputy Chief Melron Kelly, Friend

Ms. Linda Maxwell, Friend

Ms. Tanya Speaks, Family Member

Words of Comfort …………………...…………….…..….. Reverend Joseph Aiken

Selection…………………………………….……….………..… Ms. Neecy Bryant

Committal

Benediction

Interment Lincoln Cemetery

4900 Farrow Road

Columbia, South Carolina

Acknowledgement We, the family of Retired Sergeant Danita Joy Speaks-Scott, would like to thank each

of you for the many acts of kindness shown to us during our time of bereavement. A

special thank you to: the South Carolina Oncology Staff. May God continue to bless

each of you with His love, grace, and mercy.

Memories

Memories

Memories