Lillie Elizabeth (Wilson) Beard

Lillie Elizabeth (Wilson) Beard

February 6, 1937 ~ October 12, 2020 (age 83)

Mrs. Lillie Elizabeth Wilson Beard was born on February 6, 1937 to Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie and Beatrice Wood Wilson of Whiteville, Tennessee. Her older brother, John Ray Wilson, and younger sister, Bobbie Jean Wilson Robertson both proceeded her in death. At the age of three years old her mother passed and Elizabeth was adopted by her foster parents, Dr. and Mrs. G.A. Shelton of Whiteville, Tennessee.
Elizabeth married the love of her life, John Thomas Beard on December 26, 1952. To this union, three daughters were born, Brenda Joyce, Margie Ann, and Lydia Maria.
Elizabeth attended Allen White School in Whiteville, Tennessee. Although she did not graduate from high school, she remained determined. She attended Lucy Lee School of Beauty in Humboldt, Tennessee, where she excelled and completed the required hours of the program. Elizabeth became a licensed cosmetologist in the State of Tennessee. Being determined and always striving for improvement, Elizabeth decided to advance her education and become a cosmetology instructor, which required a high school diploma or GED. Elizabeth studied and passed her Ged exam. Elizabeth decided to attend Shelby State Community College in Memphis, passing all requirement and became a licensed Cosmetology Instructor on February 1, 1983.
Elizabeth was employed by the State of Tennessee as a Beautician/Barber at Western Mental Health Institute. She retired in 1996 after 36 years of employment. During this time, she also operated her own Beauty Shop, Shelton’s Beauty Shop #2 in Whiteville, Tennessee retiring her Instructor/Operator license in 2019 with hesitation. Elizabeth would want EVERYONE to know that she was a devoted and faithful member of Lane Chapel CME Church under the leadership of Pastor Mary Edwards all 83 years of her life.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, John Thomas. She is survived by her daughters; Brenda (George), Margie (Ernest) and Lydia Maria: six grandchildren; Retina, Rod (whom she raised as her son), Renesha, Jessica, Bianca, and George II: six great grandchildren; Shad, Marquis, Brelyn, Khloe, Bryleigh and George III: one nephew whom she considered as a grandson, Marondre and a host of nieces, nephews, God-children, other family members and customers who were just like family.

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