Obituary of Ellen Beard

Miss Ellen Beard, a longtime resident of the English Community, died May 14, 2013 at Regency Nursing Center following several years of declining health. Miss Beard was born October 15, 1924, the daughter of the Reverend Kirk Beard and Ella Lamb Beard. Her maternal great-grandparents were early settlers of Red River County in the Detroit area. As the daughter of a Methodist minister, she lived in many places in Northeast Texas and was graduated from Pottsboro High School in 1941. After graduation from high school, she attended Texas State College for Women in Denton, now known as Texas Women’s University. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from TSCW majoring in Art and Elementary Education. After graduation from college, Miss Beard worked as a commercial artist and draftsman for several years before entering the teaching field. She taught in various schools in Texas, Tennessee, and New Mexico before returning to Red River County in 1970 to teach at Clarksville Elementary School. In retirement, she enjoyed the resumption of painting and won numerous awards for her watercolors and oils. She was a member of Williams Chapel United Methodist Church. At her request, no services were held. Burial was in the Detroit Cemetery under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home. Miss Beard was preceded in death by her brother, Robert, and several cousins. She leaves no immediate survivors. If desired, memorials may be made to the Red River County Public Library, P. O. Box 508, Clarksville, Texas 75426.