of Mabelvale, AR
April 23, 1924 - June 13, 2020
Beatrice Stenson, aka Mema, Aunt Bea (Ain't Bea) went to be with the Lord June 13, 2020.
She retired from AT&T in 1989, where worked for 16 years. Prior to that she was with Munsey for 19 years.
A woman of strong Christian faith and morals, and wisdom that would rival sought after leaders. Don't stand in the way of her high kick, which she would proudly perform for anyone that asked.
She survived countless illnesses and tragedies, that she overcame with dignity and grace. Anyone that ever met her, loved her.
Bea was and always will be the Heart and Soul of this family. She dedicated her life to helping her family and anyone that needed a home, had a place to go. Her heart and door were always open.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Elizabeth ''Liz'' Smith, her parents Sadie Jones Cothren, Jesse Corbishley, Oscar Cothren, siblings, Minnie Morgan, Glenn Corbishley, Paul Corbishley, Joe Corbishley, Raymond Corbishley, Helen Dye, step siblings Audrey Broaderick, Mable Baker, and Henry Cothren, and Chester Cothren, and her great granddaughter Bobbi Gradillas.
Survivors include her granddaughters Debbie Gradillas, Teri McKenna, and Kara Smith, her great grandchildren Streie Gradillas, Daniel Smith, Courtney McKenna, Larry Smith, Micheal McKenna, and Lily Hoyt, and great great grandchildren Gabriel and Isabelle Pritchett. She was a second mother and helped raise Linda Robinson, Jack Dye, and Carol Warren along with numerous nieces and nephews whom she treasured and greatly loved.
Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M., prior to the service. A Celebration of Life will be held 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home Chapel, with Brother Robert Smith officiating.
Burial will follow the celebration at Oakland Cemetery in Russellville at 1:30 PM.
Due to covid-19 we will be following all strict safety measures, including face masks and safe distancing.
Aunt Bea hung a beautiful “Guardian Angel†picture over my bed when I was around seven years old. It had the Angel watching over a little red headed girl and red headed little boy. I always thought that pic was of Aunt Bea watching over myself and my little brother Jack. I ask her once if she was our guardian angel and she said, no baby I’m not an angel but I will always be here to watch over you and Jack and keep you safe. She truly was one of God’s chosen Angels here on earth and she was our special angel. Aunt Bea watched over us all, she was a true and dedicated servant of the Lord. You earned your wings Aunt Bea and your robe and crown are filled with an infinite amount of stars. You are now our Guardian angel. Let your light shine and light up our paths until we find our way home...I love you Aunt Bea with all that I am...♥ï¸
Debbie jack and Linda I know your heart aches at this time y’all will be in my thoughts aunt Bea will miss you the last of her generation I know she is rejoicing being reunited with Liz grandma daddy and the rest of her family ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»
Gaye
Aunt Bea you will be greatly missed and we love you.
Sending Love and Light to the entire family.