Laverne Beard, age 82, of Ward, passed from this life on Thursday, May 12, 2022, in Beebe. She was born February 26, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, to Alex Szplit and Adeline Poblocki Szplit. She was a teacher in the Beebe School District for many years. She is survived by one sister, Barbara Szplit of Beebe; two step-sons, Frank Beard (Mary) of California, Bill Beard (Paula) of Oklahoma; six grandchildren, Brittany Stroud (James) of Beebe, Erika Gray-Beard of Texas, Daniel Beard of Texas, Rebecca Harmon (Michael) of Texas, Matthew Beard (Anko) of Tennessee, Chrissy Beard Quaid (Alex) of California; and several great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Orland Beard; daughter, Sherry Beard; and great-granddaughter, Brylie Merriman. The family plans to schedule a memorial service at a later date. Arrangements by Smith Westbrook Funeral Home. www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook

Published May 17, 2022