With hearts filled with both grief and gratitude, we announce the passing of Mary Frances Beard. She peacefully went to be with our Lord and Savior on April 29, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Frances was a devoted mother, a pillar of strength, and a beacon of faith. She raised her children in the love of Christ. She found solace in prayer, strength in scripture, and joy in the simplest things of life. She was a woman of grace and unwavering faith.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Cashius Ray Beard, on December 11, 2019; her father and mother, George Edmund Beard and Gertrude Beard Kelsay; and her siblings, James Houston Beard, Charles Thomas Beard and William Frank Beard.
Survivors include one daughter, Teresa McGilton (Kenneth) of Columbia; two sons, Danny Beard and Audie Beard both of Columbia; three brothers, Randall Lee Beard (Bea) of Mooresville, Indiana, George Beard Jr. (Pat) of Belton, Texas and Donald Owen Beard of Columbia; two sisters, Linda Ann Bennett (Ricky) and Reva Jane Taylor (Doug) all of Columbia; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and several other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home with burial in Milltown Cemetery.
Visitation after 1 p.m. Saturday.
Casket bearers will be Danny Beard, Jimme McDougall, William McDougall, Dylan Nunnally, Jonathen Corter and Tyler Patterson. Honorary casket bearers will be Donnie Beard, David Chrisman, Larry Chrisman and Kenneth McGilton.
Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
