Fannie Jean Beard

Fannie Jean Williams Beard entered her heavenly home on Sept. 18, 2015 at Hospice Home Care Inpatient Center in Little Rock after a battle with Alzheimer's disease and cancer. Jean was born on Aug. 25, 1935, in southwest Arkansas to James Roy and Burnadine Hanson Williams; she was the oldest of five children. After graduating from Emerson High School, she went on to business school in Nacogdoches, Texas. She worked for AP&L in Magnolia, and retired from Jacuzzi Brothers Inc. in Little Rock after more than 20 years of employment. Jean was an enthusiastic bird watcher, nature lover, avid reader and frequent traveler. She loved and served the Lord faithfully as a member of First United Methodist Church of Bryant, and sang His praises as choir member. Her love for God's word led her to attend and teach various bible study groups in the surrounding area. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; Carl E. Beard, son; Eddie Beard, and niece; Wendy Wallace. She is survived by her daughter; Vicki Hagood, grandson; Andrew Hagood, two brothers; J.R. Williams (Peggy), Dan Williams (Pat), two sisters; DeEtte Wallace (William), and Linda Knox (Larry). The family would like to send a special thanks to the staff of Hospice Home Care Inpatient Center who lovingly cared for Jean during the last days of her life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the Arkansas Rice Depot, 3801 West 65th Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72209 or the Arkansas Foodbank, 4301 West 65th Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72209. There will be a visitation at 9 a.m., Tuesday, September 22 in the chapel of Griffin Leggett Forest Hills, 10200 Hwy 5 N., Alexander, Ark. Funeral services will follow at 10 a.m. officiated by Brother Pete Weber. A graveside service will be held at 4 p.m. in Hephzibah Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Emerson, Ark. Dr. Shelby Cowling will officiate. Please share your memories of Jean at www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.