Etta Evelyn Beard

March 28, 1936 - June 17, 2013

Mrs. Etta E. Beard, age 77 of Franklin, passed away Monday morning, June 17, 2013 at Claiborne-Hughes Health Center.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary of West Franklin Baptist Church, 700 New Highway 96, Franklin. Burial will follow in the Williamson Memorial Gardens.

The family will visit with friends at the church on Tuesday, June 18 from 4:00 until 8:00 PM, and again one hour prior to the services. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family and is in charge of the arrangements.

Ms. Etta was born March 28, 1936 at the family homestead in Williamson County. She was the daughter of Charlie Adam and Nina June Beard Fisher, and was married to John William Beard, who preceded her in death.

“Momma Beard”, or “Nanny”, as she was called will be remembered as a woman of deep faith, with a playful, childlike spirit. Her children recall her reading a scripture and having prayer with them before they left for school, and sharing the same stories with her grandchildren before bed. She could be found rolling and playing on the floor with her nieces and nephews, and welcoming the neighborhood children into her home to eat from the “community bowl” of tuna salad. During the summer, Ms. Etta would load up a group of children to go swimming at the Millseed. Most of all, she loved her Creator and her family. Her kindness and love for others will be missed.

She is survived by two sons: William Gary (Wanda) Beard of Williamsport and Larry (Lois) Beard of Franklin; two daughters: Ruthie (Steve) Cisco of Lyles and Dottie Cragg of Franklin; a brother: Leonard Fisher of Fairview; 11 grandchildren: Ryan, Beth, William, Heather, Candace, Shelly, Samantha, Travis, Josh, Heather and Jeremy; and 15 great-grandchildren.

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