Rebecca Beasley "Bede" Burr

1932 - 2023

Rebecca Beasley "Bede" Burr, 91, of Memphis died peacefully at home on November 30, 2023 surrounded by her three daughters.

Rebecca Treadwell Beasley was born on April 1, 1932, to the late Ruth Allen Beasley and A.C. Treadwell Beasley of Germantown, Tennessee. Bede graduated from Miss Hutchison's School, attended Mary Baldwin College and graduated from Southwestern College (Rhodes) where she was president of Chi Omega sorority. She went on to teach elementary school in Bremerton, Washington, and at both Miss Hutchison's School (Hutchison) and St. Mary's Episcopal School in Memphis.

Bede had a quiet wit and a loving, giving spirit. She was deeply engaged in the community. She was devoted to the mission of The Mary Galloway Home for women where she served multiple terms as president of the governing board. She was a faithful member of Idlewild Presbyterian Church and particularly enjoyed her participation in the Abigail Circle of Presbyterian Women. Bede was a dedicated member of the Junior League of Memphis. One of Bede's greatest pleasures was meeting monthly with a close group of cherished high school friends in their Sewing Club. Above all else, Bede treasured her family and valued her time spent with them.

Bede was married in 1956 to the late Griffith Corbin Burr, Jr., until his death in 2013. Bede and Griff were passionate about the outdoors. They frequently spent time in Arkansas fishing at Bear Creek Lake and on the coast of Florida playing with children and grandchildren in Perdido Key and shell hunting on St. George Island. They enjoyed tennis and gardening and volunteered regularly at The Lichterman Nature Center in Memphis. Bede and Griff continued their love and support of education by tutoring children at Idlewild Elementary School.

In addition to her parents and husband, Bede was predeceased by her twin sister, Ruth B. "Wootie" West, and older sister, June B. Mann. She is survived by her three daughters, Rebecca Bigler (Juan Gonzalez), Kathryn McGehee Erb (Bayard), and Allison Taylor (Todd). She is also survived by eight grandchildren whom she adored, Gray Bigler (Laura), Marika Bigler, Griffith Bigler (Marine), Corbin McGehee, Rebecca McGehee, Megan McGehee, Katie Taylor, and Will Taylor, as well as two recent great-grandchildren, Millie Bigler and Charline Bigler.

Longtime family friend, Willie McCalleum, lovingly cared for Bede for many years and was subsequently joined in that mission by his wife Ann McCalleum and his sister Evelyn. Catherine White completed the core group of valued and dedicated companions and caregivers. The family will be forever grateful for everyone who provided care including Dominiec, Sondra, Shirley, and others.

Services will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023. There will be a graveside service at Elmwood Cemetery at 12:30 pm. The memorial service will be held at Idlewild Presbyterian Church at 2 pm, followed by a reception at the church.

Memorials may be sent to Idlewild Presbyterian Church or a charity of the donor's choice.