Thelma Lee Beard

Thelma Lee Beard was born on February 9, 1931 in Waterford, Mississippi to Loyce and Ella Martin. She was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witness on February 24, 1974 and a member of the Fall Creek congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She remained a dedicated servant to Jehovah all her remaining days. Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Loyce & Ella Martin; her sisters, Willie Mae (MaDear) Finley, Jessie Mae McAdams and Iola (Sue) Pegeus; brother, Ira (Bo) Martin; niece, Velma Louise King; great-great-niece, Rayegine Ajina King; and the love of her life, Robert Lee Beard, Jr.Thelma loved her siblings dearly and was dearly loved by them. She often talked about how much they meant to her. She’d turn to MaDear for approval & dance moves; to Sue for decisions and telling it like it is; to Bo for that brotherly bond & adventure; to Jessie, as everyone knows, for strength, & attention to detail. They truly enjoyed being siblings, and even coaxed her to give her “soon to be husband” a chance.Thelma Lee and Robert Lee met one January morning on the way to school in Holy Springs, MS, when she was 14 years old. On December 2, 1946 of that same year the two were united in matrimony. She lovingly remained dedicated to her husband for nearly 53 years. They moved to Indianapolis, IN, in 1957 where she worked at Hotel Drake. Her true professional blessing was being a homemaker. “Aunt Thelma” to everyone who knew her, wanted a home that was inviting for all family, friends, neighbors or schoolmates who wanted to visit. She enjoyed reading, gardening, fishing, cooking from scratch, canning and most of all caring for her family. Preparing daily meals and mouthwatering desserts. She also spent hours on end outdoors. Be it tending to the garden, fruit trees, or her favorite rose bushes. Though Aunt Thelma lost one child of her own, she helped raise, care for & look after over 50 children. She sent for her niece from Holly Springs to move with them when she turned 18. Born to her now belated niece, Velma King. Aunt Thelma\Nana\Mom\Gran leaves to cherish and honor the time they had her children, Malcolm Durell King, Sr. (Marie), Rhonda Mechelle King, Kevin Lamont King (Janna), Tarnisha Raye Moore (Stanley), Edmond King, Chas DeJuan King (LaToya), Reginald Bible, Angelique Hill and Tina Ivie (Antwon); great-great-grandchildren, NaShunda, Brion Marie, Kristina Renee, Malcolm Durell, Jr., Rayegine Ajina, Shaleah Marie, Aundrea Nicole, Rhea Kevin, Rosie, Charlotte, Tayler Raylon-Chandler, Jay, DayShawn Lamont, Chasney Alexis, Ajina Marie, SaMiah Lanise, Victori LaCha’, Chas Journei-LaTrease, Tasha, Brent, Brianna Latrease, Stephon Antonio, Sade, Tia; and great-great-great-grandchildren, Clarence, Xiomara, Johnathan, Brielle Adrianna, Zaire, Hendrix, Sayler Lazuli, Dylan, Miriam, Jonathan and Brandon. Her closest friend, Christie Love; friend to the family, Emerson Vance; a dear friend, Vera Williams & a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Thelma Lee Beard

February 9, 1931 - September 13, 2018