Deaconess Lillian Marie Beard

Lillian Marie Beard was born on February 10, 1935 in St. Georges, Delaware to Alfred and Anna T. Vaughn. The Lord whispered gently into her ear and called her from labor to reward Sunday, January 12, 2020 as she was surrounded by her loving family.

Lillian exhibited a spirit of grace, poise, and elegance from an early age, always being very particular about her appearance and how she carried herself. She was educated in the Wilmington Public School System and graduated from Howard High School. Following graduation, she met the love of her life, Joseph (Joe) Beard and from this union, seven children were born. As the story goes, when Joe first saw her, he could not and would not take his eyes off of her. Joe and Lillian shared 39 years of marriage until his death in 1994.

Lillian was able to remain at home while raising her children. She and her husband raised their children to love Christ first and then to extend that same love of Christ to others. Her love and dedication for her husband and children was passionate and unconditional. Her heart was made glad when she became a grandmother and even more when she became a great grandmother, when she became affectionally known as "GIGI". She WAS the "Virtuous Woman" spoken of in Proverbs 31:10-31

In addition to her family, Lillian had a special kind of love for everyone. After her children were raised, she began working at Little Angels Daycare and Preschool. She was assigned to the infant room where she poured an abundance of love into the newborns and infants. She was known as "Mother Beard" or "Mom Beard" to many throughout the community. She always had a kind word, gesture, or expression of love to extend. And that infectious smile, that could light up any room, belonged ONLY to her. She had a way of making everyone feel welcomed while in her presence. Though she was quiet and reserved, she was very strong in her belief in God and in all she stood for.

Lillian was a faithful member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership and spiritual guidance of Rev. Gilbert S. Hamm. Sr., She served under Pastors Simmons, Bynum, and Johnson(all deceased). While at Ebenezer, she served on the Deaconess Board, Mother's Board, Scholarship Ministry, Flower Club Ministry, Women's Day Co-Chairlady and also sang with the Sanctuary Choir. In 2008, she was recognized by her church for her faithful and dedicated service. Though she was already a Queen to those who knew her, the name "Queen Mother" was officially bestowed upon her by her First Lady, Mrs. Viola Hamm. She was also a former member of the Red Hat Society.

Lillian enjoyed family gatherings, especially Sunday dinners following church. She also enjoyed shopping and dining out, specifically for crab cakes or crab legs. She was always ready to go in the first vehicle leaving. Over the past few years, if her children could not find her, she was sure to be riding in the back seat of the car with Diane and Shana Johnson, sometimes being gone the entire day, simply enjoying life. She also enjoyed supporting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren during their various achievements.

She was preceded in death by her parents, all 10 siblings, devoted husband, Deacon Joseph Beard, her faithful daughter, Dr. Quinetta Penn, loving grandchildren, Monique, Brandon L., and Andre, great-grandson, Ahmir and spiritual sister-friend, Deaconess Russlean Eaddy.

She leaves to carry on her legacy, children, Jo-Ann, Jeffery, Steven, Gregory and Michael Beard, Lillian Michelle (Shelley) Nix; grandchildren , Patrice, Andrea, Jermaine, Kendra(Oak) Janai, Ciera (Kurtis) Angel, Monet, Bria, Alyssa ( Shareef) Brandon G., Quinton, Brionna, Maya, Miles, Yalonda, Daryl and Malik: great-grandchildren, Siani, Briana, Ahnazya, Ariana, Jermaine Jr, Brianna, Nyla, Maurkel, Maurshon, Maurice, Ahmira, Kaila, Kevin, Kira, Sahmir, Michael, Omier, Ahmad and Aston; 3 brothers-in-law, William, Nelson and Michael Beard, 2 sisters-in-law, Bervay Lee Carter and Josephine Beard; Devoted nieces, Robin Pendergrass and Karen Stanford; spiritual children, Arlene Eaddy-Beard, Carol McBride, Diane and Shana Johnson, Alethia Patton, Minister Lawrence and Victoria Waddell; spiritual sisters, Deaconess Lillian McBride, Deaconess Marjorie Robison and Peggy Tate; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, her church family and many others who called her "Mother" and Friend