Opal Irene Beard

Opal Irene Beard, 86, of Woodway, passed away Saturday, June 1, 2013, at Hillcrest Hospital. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 6, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home in Robinson with the Rev. Darrel Phillips officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home.

Opal was born on April 22, 1927, to Ira and Dallie Parrish in Axtell. Opal was one of nine siblings and spent her formative years living in east Waco, eventually graduating from Waco High in 1945. She married Louie Beard Jr. in 1947. They loved and cherished one another until Louie's passing in 1993. Opal worked for The Methodist Children's Home for many years and was active in a variety of community organizations. She found great joy in her many hobbies which included gardening, painting and playing cards with her friends.

She saved her greatest service for her family and church. Opal was an active and involved member of First Baptist Church of Woodway for over 40 years. She was proud of her role in growing the church, and could often be found volunteering her time to many church causes and having fun with the "Goodtimers" fellowship group.

Family and friends came first for Opal, and she enjoyed nothing more than the companionship of old friends and the pleasure of spending time with family. She and Louie loved to travel and Opal was able to see many parts of the United States with her family in tow. Opal also cherished hosting family at her house during the holidays, and her many Thanksgiving gatherings will always be treasured memories of everyone.

Opal was preceded in death by her loving husband, Louie; her brothers, Albert Parrish, Robert Parrish, Jim Parrish, Monte Lee Parrish and John Arthur Parrish; sisters, Della Webb and Beatrice Ballard; nephew, Luther Parrish; and nieces, Irene Drummond, Gail Winkleman and Becky Cox.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherry Beheler and husband William of Waco; grandson Brad Beheler and wife Kristin of Robinson; granddaughter Kim Rankin and husband Russ of Robinson; sister Louise Harris and husband Bob of Robinson; four great-grandchildren Katelyn Rankin, Alyssa Rankin, Abbey Beheler and Reed Beheler; as well as many admiring nieces and nephews; and several dear friends.

Pallbearers will be Jack Beard, Jerome Carter, Blake Harris, Byron Harris, Steve Harris, Leroy Parrish, Michael Parrish and Shorty Stone.

The family would like to thank Dr. Sandeep Gupta and the outstanding staff at Hillcrest ICU for the exceptional care they delivered to Opal in her final days. Additionally, the family would like to acknowledge the staff of Sterling House Assisted Living Center for always making Opal feel right at home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.

Online guest book at www.pecangrovefuneral.com.

April 22, 1927 - June 1, 2013

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