Margaret Marie Taylor Beard died April 26 at the age of 85.
She was born Oct. 16, 1936 in Greensboro to the late Johnie B. and Winnie Louise Taylor. Affectionately known as “Ree,” she attended school in Hale County. She accepted Christ at an early age and joined St. Mary’s A.M.E. Church. She married the late Coleman Beard, Jr., and they raised seven children.
In the late 1950s, during the Great Migration, See and her husband moved to Philadelphia. In 1960, they purchased their first home. After getting settled, Marie rededicated her life to Christ and joined the 59th Street Baptist Church, where she served on the Pastor’s Aid and Women’s Fellowship ministries. She also became a member of the fraternal order, Queen Melissa C.T. No. 12, Heroines of Jericho P.H.A. As a member, she received numerous meritorious awards for her dedications.
An excellent seamstress, Marie was able to secure a job making pants for one of the nation’s largest clothiers. After working there for many years, she pursued her passion in caretaking/nursing by enrolling in a nursing assistant program. Upon graduation, she worked as private duty nursing care provider for the Rockefellers (Mr. Scott). While working for Mr. Scott, he taught her about financial investments. As a result of her successful investments, she was able to purchase a second home in Philadelphia. After the passing of Mr. Scott, she worked at the Dunwoody Village Care Centr until she retired in 2002.
After retiring , she moved back to Greensboro and joined Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she served on the Missionary Ministry and remained an active member until her death.
She experienced many things, but one very proud moment was witnessing the swearing-in of the first Black President of the United States. She was also able to see the first woman sworn in as Vice President. It made her even prouder that she was Black.
She was uniquely able to make those who met her feel like family. Her children and grandchildren called her “Momma,” but the name wasn’t reserved for them. She was “Momma” to their friends, with each generation following suit. In essence, she was loved by all.
Her warmth was also found in her food. Her ability to cook was almost legendary. During the holidays, one stop that was mandatory was Ree’s kitchen.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Johnie B. Taylor, Sr. and Winnie Louise Taylor, husband Coleman Beard, Sr.; six siblings, Louella Brittford, Johnie B. Taylor, Jr., Cleveland Taylor, Thomas Taylor Robert Lee Taylor Sr., and Willia Bailey; two beloved children, Lorraine Beard Thornton and Charles Anthony Beard; and one precious granddaughter, Beverly Danielle Edwards.
Survivors include three daughters, Alice M. Reed of Greensboro, Beverly (Norris) Hits of Galloway, N.J., and Patricia Beard of Philadelphia; two sons, Coleman Beard Jr. of Greensboro and David Beard of Philadelphia; one sister, Mary Long of Greensboro; a brother, Charles Taylor of Harrisburg, Penn.; three sisters-in-law, Lorraine Booth of Philadelphia, Jessie Taylor of Jackson, Fla., and Quma Lamb Taylor of Greensboro, 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a host of family and friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday, May 7 at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Greensboro with the Rev. Calvin Johnson officiating and Washington and Paige Mortuary direction.
