Janice Marie Beard

Janice Marie Beard was born on May 30, 1940, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to the late Paul and Marie Clark Beard.

She was raised in a loving Christian home where faith was the foundation of her life. Throughout the years, she worshipped at St. Paul AME Church, William Temple Church of God in Christ in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and later Tate Temple Church of God in Christ in Dallas, Texas. Janice loved the Lord and found great joy in reading, collecting, and sharing Bible scriptures with others.

For many years while Janice remained in Arkadelphia, she was blessed by the love and support of family members, especially her sisters, Gracie, and her husband, Albert, whose kindness and faithful assistance helped meet many of her daily needs.

As her care needs increased, Janice relocated to Dallas, Texas, where she was lovingly cared for by her sister, Birtie Preston, and brother-in-law, Vernon Preston. When Birtie’s health no longer allowed her to continue providing care, Janice became a resident of Duncanville Nursing Home in Duncanville, Texas. There, her sister, Mildred Beard Johnson, and her niece, Shantel Williams, faithfully served as her guardians, ensuring she was surrounded by love, compassion, dignity, and advocacy throughout the remainder of her life.

Anyone who knew Janice knew she never forgot her pleasant smile. She also had a smile that could brighten a room and was known for reminding visitors that she would always use “a little piece of money,” a memory that continues to bring smiles to those who loved her.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Marie Clark Beard; her siblings, Roberta Beard Newborn, Birtie Beard Preston, Earnest Beard, L. D. Beard, and James Beard.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving sister, Mildred Beard Johnson; her devoted niece, Shantel Williams; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and dear friends.

Submitted by the Beard Family