Mrs. Maggie B. Beard

Maggie B. Willis Beard, affectionately known to her family as Maggie B. and lovingly called "Nana" by her grandchildren, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2024, at 4:32 a.m. She was born on July 3, 1928, in Homer, Louisiana, to Arthur Willis and Nora Ann Lewis. Maggie spent most of her life in Kansas City, where she met and married her husband, Willard C. Beard Sr., in 1960. In 2003, she moved to Lewisville, Texas, where she resided with her husband and her daughter Kimberly Beard Gates, son-in-law Anton, and their children. Maggie B. dedicated her life to the love and care of children, offering warmth and support to countless families over the years. Known for her welcoming spirit, she was a homemaker with a passion for cooking, sewing, and hosting family gatherings, where her loved ones would often gather to share in her delicious meals and unending hospitality. A sports enthusiast at heart, Maggie B. loved basketball and remained a loyal fan of the Dallas Mavericks, proudly recalling her own days as a high school basketball player. Her strong faith was central to her life; she was a devoted member of Jamison Temple CME for over 40 years. Her love for helping others was not only felt within her family but extended to her community, where she was active in her children’s school activities and often volunteered for both church and school events. Maggie B. was known for her selflessness, always putting others’ needs before her own. She ensured that everyone had a good meal and offered support to family and friends in times of need, touching many lives with her generosity and kindness. She is survived by her beloved husband, Willard C. Beard Sr.; her children, Monica Beard, Jerome Beard, Kelvin Beard, Rita Arthur, and Kimberly Gates; and her cherished grandchildren, Gerrika Green, Monique Taylor, Gerron Herring, Montez Kendall, Ryan Gates, Jared Beard, Kristyn “Krissy” Gates, and Jada Beard. Maggie B. also leaves behind a host of great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandson, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her bonus son, Willard C. Beard Jr. (Ricky), and her bonus grandsons, Jason McNeil and Eric Sanders, the grandsons of her late sister Loraine McNeil. Maggie was preceded in death by her grandson, Dion Herring, whose memory she cherished deeply, and all of her siblings: Lee A. Willis, Emma Sue Willis Applewhite, Loraine Willis McNeil, V. Ethel Willis White, Auther D. Willis, and Ella B. Willis Williams. She is also preceded by her dear friend, Bettye Williams, who was like a sister to her. A celebration of Maggie B.’s life and legacy will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 10:00am at Jamison Memorial Temple CME Church. Interment Leavenworth National Cemetery. Visitation 9:00am-10:00am at the church. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website. Service Live Stream https://www.youtube.com/live/Pj9Q5OSPBTs?feature=shared