Obituary

Kathryn A. Beard began her journey of life on March 13 1944 in Monticello Arkansas. She was the daughter of Buddy Wayne and Catherine Spencer. She was the oldest of 10 children. At the age of 3 Kathryn and her mother Catherine migrated to Springfield IL. On March 30 1963 she was united in marriage to Robert L. Beard Sr. They were married for 60 years and were blessed with two children Sylvia Eugene and Robert Bobby L. Beard Jr. Kathryn had attended Springfield Public Schools and received her GED from Southeast High School. She was employed by Memorial Health Systems. Everyone knew her by Kaye. She was employed at Memorial for over 40 years until her retirement as a Human Resources Specialist. Kathryn loved talking on the phone with friends and family and meeting new people. She enjoyed watching her favorite television shows The View CNN and Love and Marriage Huntsville. Her all time favorite thing to do annually was traveling to see Sylvia when she lived in Florida. Kathryn absolutely loved to shop especially on HSN and QVC. She was by far one of the best dressed women in Springfield. Kathryn accepted Christ at an early age and was a proud member of Union Baptist Church for over 60 years. She was a member of the Choir Ministry prior to becoming President of the Greeters Ministry which she was very passionate about. On the afternoon of Thursday April 27 2023 God opened the gates of heaven and called Kathryn by name and said Well done thou good and faithful servant. God told Kathryn to come receive your wings and be with me in paradise. Kathryn was preceded in death by her mother Catherine Whiteside and step father Marvin Whiteside and father Buddy Wayne son Robert L. Beard Jr. three sisters Reola Dickerson Denice Maddox JoAnn Ward and brother Paul Sonny Whiteside and her beloved granddog Buddy. She will forever be adored in the hearts of her husband Robert L. Beard Sr. daughter Sylvia Tennial Eugene sisters Terry Hale Albany GA Marva Whiteside Carol Day Chuck and Renae Matlock Springfield IL. brothers Darrell Whiteside Fayetteville NC and Gary Whiteside Springfield IL. Kathryn leaves behind a huge host of nieces nephews cousins and loving friends.