Kathryn A Beard

Celebration of Life Kathryn Ann 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.

 Kathryn was preceded in death by her mother Catherine Spencer-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.

On March 30, 1963, Kathryn was united in marriage to Robert L. Beard, Sr. They were married for 60 years and were blessed with two children, Sylvia Tennial (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 where everyone knew her by “Kaye.” As a recipient of the Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year Award, Kathryn excelled in every position she worked. She was employed at Memorial Health Systems 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 & Marriage: Huntsville.

 Her all time favorite thing to do annually was traveling to see Sylvia when she lived in Florida. She also cherished her beloved dog Buddy, who she always referred to as her granddog. 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 and faithful member of Union Baptist Church for over 60 years. She was a member of the Young Adult Choir, President of the Junior Usher Ministry, President of the White Rose Circle and Secretary of the Overall Mission until January of this year. Kathryn was a regular attendee at weekly bible study and her final and most fulfilling leadership role was President of the Greeters Ministry which she was very passionate about. She also loved getting together with her church buddies Birthday Group, where they would all gather to celebrate their birthdays.

 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.

She will forever be adored in the hearts of her husband Robert L. Beard, Sr., daughter, Sylvia Tennial (Eugene), Springfield, 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.

Funeral Services Friday May 12, 2023

Visitation:9:00am-10:00am

Service:10:00am-11:00am

Union Baptist Church

1405 East Monroe Street

Springfield, IL 62703

Pastor T. Ray McJunkins Officiating 

Interment

Camp Butler National Cemetery 

at 12:00pm