Billie Beard
Billie Houser Beard, affectionately known by many as “Bebe”, died peacefully on December 13, 2020. She was 97 years young.
Our beloved “BeBe” was truly one of a kind. She loved her family, life and people. Her personality lit up a room with joy whenever she entered it. She wanted to be called “BeBe” by her grandchildren but the name so fit her bubbly personality that soon her family and her many friends started calling her that.
Billie grew up in Chattanooga and was a proud graduate of the Central High School class of 1941. In 1949 she married the love of her life John Isham Beard of Lake Providence, Louisiana. They moved to Signal Mountain in 1954 and made many friends whom they loved to entertain in their home. Billie was a member of Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club for many years where she enjoyed playing golf and attending many activities. She was a long-time member of the Garden Club of Signal Mountain where her favorite activity was to work in the school with the Junior Garden Club. She was recently made an emeritus member.
Billie and John joined Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church in 1955. Billie truly loved her church and they ministered to her all through her years in healthcare at Alexian. Billie and John instilled in their children the desire to serve God in His church. She taught Sunday School, attended Bible studies, and made life-long friends as a member of Circle 3. In 1997, she was made an honorary Life Member of Signal Presbyterian’s Women of the Church for her many dedicated years of service to her church.
Billie was an excellent bridge player and cherished her time playing bridge with many friends. She always was the one who had the most fun when tailgating with her family before watching the Tennessee Vols. Her favorite place to be was on the porch at the Soddy Lake cabin built by her parents. From that spot, she delighted in watching her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren play in the water.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bertha and Roy Houser, and her brother, Carl Dean (“Buddy”) Houser. Losing her brother at age 21 was a tremendous loss to her family and gave Billie a life-long focus on the importance of loving family and caring for others. Her favorite time was when she was with her children, grandchildren or great grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter, Deane Beard Sprague (Orin) of Signal Mountain and her son John Beard (Carol) of Lookout Mountain, TN. Her surviving treasured grandchildren are David W. Haddock (Brennice), John R. Haddock (Amy), John W. Beard, Jr., Laura H. Bridges (Trey), and Caroline B. Arnold (Jim). Her great grandchildren, whose visits to Alexian brought her such joy, are Charlotte Ann, Eli, and Grace Haddock, Cate and Cole Bridges, Nation Beard, and Allie and Kate Arnold.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Alexian Village Health Care for the loving care given to Billie for the past three years and to the ministers and members of her church who faithfully visited her, brought her communion , and made sure she was always at the inter-denominational services at Alexian.
A memorial service will be held at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 2:00 o’clock with Dr. Bill Dudley and Rev. Margaret Ferguson officiating. Seating is marked for social distancing and masks must be worn at all times. The family will understand if people choose to not attend due to concerns with COVID-19. The only visitation will be outside the church following the service where the family requests masks be worn and social distancing be observed. Burial will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, 612 James Blvd., Signal Mountain, TN 37377.
Arrangements by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson (423) 531-3975.