Bertie Lee Beard Lord

Bertie Lee Beard Lord passed away, Wednesday, June 24 at the Woods Nursing and Rehab in Monticello. She was born April 23, 1922 in Drew County, Arkansas to the late Selvin and Claudie Mae Fairchild Beard. She was the last of eight siblings to depart this life. Two grandsons also preceded her in death John Evans and Larry Cantrell, Jr. She married the love of her life, Jessie Vernon Lord, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her only son, Jack Green, and wife Faye of Crossett; three daughters, Joyce McCone and husband Floogy Earl of Rogers; Sharon Cantrell and husband Larry of Dumas; and Karon Parrish and husband Randall of Monticello. She is also survived by two granddaughters, Kathy Barnett and husband Tim of Hamburg and Denise Chapman and husband Travis of Monticello whom she helped raise after the death of their mother. She had 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren. Her work included raising four children, two granddaughters, and one foster child. She cared for her mother who suffered a stroke for four years. She a former factory worker, cashier, sitter for hospital and nursing home patients, and waitress. Her last job was the hostess/greeter for Stephenson Dearman Funeral Home for fifteen years. Former Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton appointed her Constable of Marion Township after the death of her husband, Vernon, in 1988. She served until the next election when she did not run. She never turned down someone in need whether they were stranded on the side of the road or needed change to finish paying for their groceries. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Monticello, Arkansas and enjoyed dancing at the VFW Hut on Friday nights. She volunteered with the Drew Memorial Ladies Auxiliary for many years. She loved going to the Senior Citizens Center in Monticello to visit the "old people" and volunteered to help with decorating and cake walks. Most importantly she was a Christian and member of Florence Baptist Church. She had no doubt she would be in heaven after her death and the only thing she regretted was leaving her family. She never wanted to be a burden to them and although Alzheimer's took many of her memories she held on the fact that the Lord would take care of her. One of her last conversations with the Lord was, "Oh Lord, bless my family." She always said, "Send me flowers while I'm alive so I can enjoy them! I can't enjoy them when I'm dead!" So in honor of her tenacity, memorials may be made to the Senior Citizens Center, 203 Henley Street, Monticello Ark. 71655. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27 at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with burial in Mt. Tabor Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.