Services for Bobbie Nell Mullen Beard, of Wesson, are 10 a.m.Thursday at Riverwood Family Funeral Service Chapel with burial atLittle Bahala Baptist Church. Visitation will be Wednesday nightfrom 5 until 9 p.m.

Mrs. Beard, 69, died Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2006, at Silver CrossNursing Home. She was born in Wesson, March 23, 1937, to Tom andChristine Mullen and lived her early years in the Stronghopecommunity. She was a longtime employee of Potter Company and amember of Little Bahala Baptist Church.

Preceding her in death are her parents, son Tommy Ray Beard, andbrother Bill Mullen.

Survivors are her husband of 52 years, J.R. Beard, and daughtersand sons-in-law, Darlene and Ward Gaston, and Deloris and RandyFurr; and her devoted Pomeranian Comanche Dude. She is alsosurvived by her sister Sue Elkins Wilkinson and brother JimmyMullen and a host of nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Beard was an excellent cook and enjoyed cooking for herfamily and friends. She enjoyed her yard work, flowers, gardening,canning, growing African violets and she spent many hourscrocheting. She was a kind, gentle and giving person. She was adevoted wife and dedicated mother who loved and cherished herchildren. She will be greatly missed.

Pallbearers are nephews David Floyd, Robert Beard, RandallBeard, Kelvin Elkins, Steve Elkins and a longtime friend, John PaulMartin.