Willie Mae (McMullen) Beard

Willie Beard Obituary (due to extremely limited seating, live-streaming at https://eastmountzionbaptistchurch.org/wmb1) copy and paste in your browser. Willie Mae Beard passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at the age of 93. She was a 1956 graduate of Rust College and a former teacher for the Cleveland Board of Education. She was the beloved wife of the late Clenton Beard, cherished mother of Anthony, Cynthia and Rochelle, dearest sister of Shannon McMullen, Jr. (Alee) and Hattie McMullen, both of Ackerman, MS (and 12 siblings who preceded her in death) and loved by a host of nieces, nephews, family members and friends. The wake will be Saturday, January 2, 2021, 9:30 AM at East Mt. Zion Baptist Church followed by the Celebration of Life service at 10 AM. (due to extremely limited seating, live-streaming at https://eastmountzionbaptistchurch.org/wmb1). Arrangements are entrusted to the E. F. Boyd & Son Funeral Home, 25900 Emery Rd. where Family Visitation will take place Wednesday, December 30, 4-7 PM. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, friends and family must wear a mask, social distance and greet the family expeditiously. http://www.efboyd.com. Donate to a scholarship fund in her name at Rust College, Attn: JoAnn Scott, Office of Alumni Development, 150 Rust Ave., Holly Springs, MS 38635 memo: WM Beard or https://gofund.me/848d778e Willie Mae (McMullen) Beard was the 8th of 14 children born to Shannon and Emma (Miller) McMullen on May 21, 1927 in Choctaw County (Ackerman), MS. At Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, Willie Mae gave her life to Christ at an early age, attended Sunday School, and was very involved in church activities. She loved the four Gospels, Psalms and Proverbs. She completed high school at Choctaw County Training School. After attending Rust College in Holly Springs, MS, Willie received a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education in 1956. She taught elementary school 5 years in Webster County, MS, and 35 years for the Cleveland Board of Education at various elementary schools. Although retired from Tremont Elementary, she continued to substitute teach until she was 80 years of age. Willie Mae married Clenton Lee Beard May 7, 1957 after a 2-year courtship that began in Memphis, TN. Immediately after marriage in Hernandez, MS, they moved to Cleveland, OH, where they settled in the Glenville community, and soon became members of the East Mt. Zion Baptist Church under Pastor, Rev. William M. Downs. They were faithful members of Group 5, and Willie assisted in the nursery and Vacation Bible School. A dedicated Christian and a dear soul, Willie Mae enjoyed talking and encouraging young people to live well, follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, and get an education. She is remembered for her sweet, and cooperative spirit. The young people she taught, fondly remember their teacher, “Mrs. Beard”. Tuesday morning, December 22, 2020, she peacefully transitioned in her home under hospice care. In her passing, she leaves to mourn: son, Anthony Dewayne and daughters Cynthia Denise and Rochelle Lynette (all of Cleveland); sister, Hattie B. McMullen and brother, Shannon (Alee) McMullen (both of Ackerman, MS); Sisters-in-love, Gertie L. (Freddie) Johnson and Drucilla Young, and brothers-in-love Bennie (Irona) Beard, Jr., Willie B. Beard, and a host of dear nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Willie Mae (McMullen) Beard, please visit our floral store. Read More

Willie Mae (McMullen) Beard

May 21, 1927 - December 22, 2020