Betty Joan Beard

Betty Joan Cagle Beard, a quiet and loyal servant of the Lord, peacefully passed into Heaven on April 28, 2025, at the age of 80. She was born on July 19, 1944, in Checotah, Oklahoma, to Pastor William Edward and Wanda Pauline Cagle.

She was reared and received her early education in San Pedro and Westminster, CA.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of 46 years, Robert Lee Beard, whom she married on December 4, 1964, and two brothers whom she deeply loved, Gary and Mike.

She is survived by her loving brother, Ron, of Orange County, CA; sisters-in-law: Carol Cagle, Brenda Rucker, Flora Beard, Sheila Smith, Margaret Boyette; brother-in-law, Danny Jo Beard; sons: Bobby (wife Gina) of Meeker, OK, Randy of Rogers, AR, and Steven of Siloam Springs, AR; her grandchildren: Josh and Megan Beard and their mother Jennifer Beard, William Scott and Cameron Beard, Kristian Brickey, Zachary, Nathan, and Courtney Beard and their mother Stephania Beard. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Vanessa and Aaviah Beard, as well as many nieces and nephews whom she adored.

Betty’s life was one of service and devotion. Throughout her adult years, Mrs. Betty, as she was affectionately known by the children she cared for, worked lovingly at Immanuel Baptist Church daycare, Watson Chapel daycare, and JRMC daycare, where she nurtured and cared for hundreds of children, always with a passion for teaching and helping them grow. She touched countless lives in her role as a caregiver and educator.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Betty spent her years devoted to Jesus Christ, sharing His word and living as an example of His love. Her unwavering commitment to her faith and the service of others was evident in every aspect of her life.

In her later years, Betty found great joy in spending time with and caring for her father and her brother, Gary, offering them the same love and devotion she showed to so many throughout her life.

Above all, Betty’s love for her family, particularly her grandchildren, knew no bounds. She supported them wholeheartedly, always offering encouragement, love, and wisdom. Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew her.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her soul rest in peace, and may her example of faith and love continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who carry her memory.

In lieu of flowers and to honor her love of caring for children, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in her memory.

A celebration of life will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 5, 2025, at AE Funeral Services Chapel, 603 W. Independence St., Shawnee, Oklahoma 74804. Burial will immediately follow at New Hope Cemetery in Meeker, OK.