Mary Frances Beard

Mary Frances (Sanders) Beard, of Godley, Texas, went home to her Heavenly Father on October 25, 2024. Mary was born April 21, 1933, in Freeport, Texas to Ruby (Ault) Sanders and Benjamin E. “Rich” Sanders. Mary (Nana) and Jack (Gran), her sweetheart of 70 years, were married April 18, 1952, in Jones Creek, Texas. They were sealed for time and eternity September 4, 1962, in the Mesa, Arizona LDS Temple. At the time of Jack’s passing in 2022, Mary and Jack had enjoyed 70 years of marriage. She is no doubt happy to be reunited with him.

Mary was a talented baton twirler and musician, and in 1949 she led the first marching band on Freeport High School’s new Hopper Field. Her talents were also recognized in 1950 when she was chosen as one of 2 from the state of Texas to travel Western Canada in the Canadian-American All-Girls Band. Mary developed a deep love of the mountains due to this experience.

Mary and Jack lived most of their married life in Brazoria County, Texas, where they raised 5 children. As grandchildren arrived, Mary became “Nana,” and time spent with she and Gran promised lots of “spoiling.” Breakfast at Nana’s was a special treat and usually included her delicious “Nana” biscuits. 

Mary is survived by sons Jack Rogers Beard, Jr. and wife Fay of Angleton and Joshua Stephen Beard and wife Irma of Clute; daughters Amanda Robyn McDonald and husband John of Godley, Mary Kathleen Goodrich and husband Mike of Godley, and Patricia JoAnna Collida and husband Steve of Bailey; 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. 

A graveside service will take place 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at Gulf Prairie Cemetery in Jones Creek, Texas.