Ms. Ernestine Beard

Ernestine Beard left this earthly world for her heavenly home on January 31, 2026. She was born in Haywood County, TN, on September 22, 1935, to Richard and Juanita Nichelson.

There, she completed her formal education, graduating from Carver High School in Brownsville, TN, and then earned her B.S. in Education from Lane College in Jackson, TN. During that tenure, she joined Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.

She later married and welcomed her only child, her daughter, Zackie Anita Beard, who preceded her in death. She confessed her faith in Christ at an early age with Cane Creek Missionary Baptist Church. She later relocated and became a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, TN, where she contributed in multiple capacities.

Cherished for the indelible mark she left as an educator in the Haywood County School system for 38 plus years, she received numerous awards for her singular knack at progressing

Special Education students to the approved state testing standards. She is best remembered for her infectious laughter and smile, and for the warmth she always emanated.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Juanita Nichelson; her daughter, Zackie Anita Beard; her brothers, Lloyd Nichelson and James Edward Nicholson; and her sister, Dorothy Sherrell.

Ernestine is survived by her loving Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Friends, and Sister-In-Law.