Melvin Lewis Beard

Deacon Melvin Lewis Beard departed to his heavenly home on Saturday, March 7, 2026, when God's Heavenly Angels took him home. He was the son of the late Oliver Beard, Jr., and Susie Brinson Beard. Melvin attended and graduated from McDonogh #35 Senior High School and Dillard University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics with a double minor in Education and Business Management. Bro. Beard was a devoted Christian and his favorite scripture was, "God is great and greatly to be praised", Psalms 145:3. During his spiritual journey, he was a member of the Junior and Senior Deacon Board, Choir #3 and Male Chorus, Men of Liberty, and Usher Board just to name a few auxiliaries. He was truly a faithful and dedicated servant of God. Over the years Bro. Beard was employed with the New Orleans Public School System, Manager at McDonald's Corporation and most recently retired from the City of New Orleans Public Works department.

He leaves to cherish his memories, wife, Lorraine Triplett Beard; three devoted sons, Damien O. (April), Darius S. (Angele) and Derron A. Beard; mother, Susie B. Beard; eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren; sisters, Helen B. Johnson (Byron), Cassandra B. Robert and Denise B. Howell (Jimmie) Odenton, MD., and two Aunts and an Uncle, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and co-workers. He was preceded in death by his father, Oliver Beard, Jr.; sister, Cynthia M. Beard and son, Denton Arsenio Beard; grandparents, two aunts and three uncles. The Homegoing Celebration will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Greater Liberty Baptist Church, 1230 Desire Street, New Orleans, LA. Visitation begins at 9:00 a.m. with services starting at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Dr. Calvin W. Woods, Jr. officiating. Guestbook Online: www.anewtraditionbegins.com (504)282-0600. Linear Brooks Boyd and Donavin D. Boyd Owners/Funeral Directors.