Kitty Tripp Speed

On August 25, 2025, Kitty Tripp Speed, a cherished member of her community, passed into the arms of her Saviour at the age of 90. She was surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on October 10, 1934 in Easley, South Carolina, to Dot and Harold Tripp. She lived a dedicated life of service, caring for others and advocating for at-risk youth. She was involved with Meals on Wheels, Millbrook Elementary After-School Christian programs. Later, she volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate Guardian Ad Litem for the Aiken Family Court and Juvenile Arbitrator for the Aiken County Solicitors' Office. She received many awards for her work with youth. She and her late husband Ed were faithful election poll workers for the Aiken County Board of Elections for many years. They were founding members of the Hillcrest Baptist Church in Windsor, South Carolina. Kitty and Ed did mission work in West Virginia, Nicaragua, Jamaica, and the Amazon. They also volunteered with Christ Central. Kitty was an integral part of the Fellowship Sunday School Class and the Sunshine Ladies at Millbrook Baptist Church. They were like family to her.

She attended Easley High School and went on to complete her B.S degree from the University of South Carolina. After her two children graduated from high school, she continued her education and received her Master's Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina. 

Kitty retired as Deputy Warden with the South Carolina Department of Youth Corrections, where her compassion and dedication made a significant impact on the lives of many young men. She cared for the well-being and rehabilitation of at-risk youth, embodying her belief that every individual deserves a second chance. 

Kitty was known for her warm heart and welcoming spirit. She was a woman of strong faith and shared the love of Christ throughout her community and other countries. She loved everybody and was often referred to as a “mother to all.” She shared her love and joy with family and friends. She was proud of her hobbies, which included traveling the world with Ed and Square Dancing across the country

Kitty is survived by two children, Vicki Gaines (Joe) of Athens, GA, and Edward A.“Eddie” Speed, Jr. (Kathy) of Rock Hill, SC. She leaves behind five grandchildren: Lindsey Nichols (Matt), Joshua Speed (Olivia), Joseph Gaines, Houston Gaines (fiancée Gabrielle Deliz) and Adrianne Beacham (Matt): her great-grandchildren, Hannah Nichols, Hailey Nichols, Jackson Beacham, Gaines Beacham, and Merritt Speed. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Earlene Tripp. 

Kitty was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 71 years, Edward (Ed) Alexander Speed; her parents, and her siblings, Sarah Brown, Mary Robinson, and Harold Tripp, Jr. The family would like to thank Marche Glover, who was an invaluable caregiver who took such good care of her and brought mom much joy. We would also like to thank the wonderful and caring staff at the Barclay House. We greatly appreciate her dedicated and loving friends who visited her there. 

Funeral services for Kitty will be held on August 29, 2025, at Millbrook Baptist Church chapel in Aiken, SC, with visitation starting at 10:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. She will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Easley, SC, at 4:00 PM the same day. Honorary Pallbearers will be Houston Brown's Sunday School Class. 

Her legacy of love and service will continue to inspire those who knew her. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Millbrook Whittlers, 223 South Aiken Blvd., SE, Aiken, SC 29803.

SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 715 E. PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC 29803