of Mountain View, AR
January 20, 1926 - August 23, 2021
Wilma Bernice Johnson Beckham departed this life on August 23, 2021 in her home in Mountain View, AR at the age of 95 years. She was born on January 20, 1926 in a small log house in Happy Hollow, to Alonzo and Tabitha ''Bithy'' Shannon Johnson. She graduated high school in 1944. She married Blake Beckham on October 2, 1948 and they were married for 46 years. She worked at Bank of Mountain View for 34 years. She was a member of Flatwoods Baptist Church for 69 years. She was an excellent seamstress, having made dozens of baby blankets for newborns around the community. She loved to cook and was renowned for her yeast rolls. She also played a mean game of 42, and cherished the time she spent with her fellow 42 players.
She is survived by her five children, Retha Gipson of Jonesboro, AR, David Beckham (Linda) of Mountain View, Jana Richardson (Aubrey) of Desha, AR, Donald Beckham (Robin) of Mountain View, AR, Mary Ann Eck (Chris) of Chattanooga, TN, a sister-in-law, Inez Johnson, 8 grandchildren, Anthony Gipson, Matthew Gipson, Jamie Gipson Dugger, Tabitha Beckham Smith, Andrew Richardson, Eric Richardson, Cassandra Eck Landrum and Lindsey Eck, 16 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Blake Beckham; and brother, Merl Johnson.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, August 26, 2021, at Flatwoods Baptist Church in Mountain View, Arkansas, with Brother Joe Morell and Brother Will Thompson officiating. Pallbearers are Anthony Gipson, Matthew Gipson, Andrew Richardson, Eric Richardson, Tyler Beckham, and Wesley Smith. Burial will follow in Flatwoods Cemetery.
Bernice raised her children to revere God, value learning, work hard, and serve others. When asked the best advice for new parents, she said ''read to the babies, for learning to read opens the whole world of opportunity to them.'' She has left for her family a rich inheritance of faith, love, service, and knowledge of cooking, gardening, and sewing.
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8 Condolence(s)
Wanda Sutton
Friday, August 27, 2021
Sorry to here about your mom passing, I just read it on funeral notices. Our thoughts & prayers go out to you all. Remember the wonderful times you had & it will help you through the rough days ahead. She will be watching from above in heaven. Song that help me , you may cry I do, it called Dancing in the sky. Sending our thoughts & prayers your way. with Love Wanda , Larry & Joey Sutton
Karen Leonard
Thursday, August 26, 2021
My deepest sympathy. Keep all her great memories alive, she was a special lady.
Sonja Jessen
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Dear Beckham Family,
We are so sorry for you loss. We enjoyed our friendship with Bernice. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.
Our prayers are with you during this time.
Keith & Sonja Jessen
Ronda G Ivy
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. Bernice was such a special christian lady who raised a fine family! Praying for you all! Gerald, Ronda, Richard, and Adam Ivy
Mildred Green
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Tabitha, I am so sorry about your dear Grandmother, I know your heart is broken. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and all your dear family in the coming days.
Nancy Bowles
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Dear Jana and family,
I know how much you loved Bernice and how much you will miss her. I pray that her memory will bless and comfort you. Sending hugs from Missouri.
All my love and sympathy,
Nancy
Cathy Sisk
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
I enjoyed the years we worked together at Bank of Mtn. View. So sorry for your loss.
NANCY M STEELE
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Bernice for many years and she loved everyone of her children, grand children and any greats. She also loved God and was willing to share her knowledge. She will be missed. Prayers..