Karen Sue Beard

Karen Sue Beard, passed away on November 26, 2016 at home. She was born on February 12, 1943 to Kenneth and Christine Burris Black in Kanauga, Ohio. She attended Gallipolis City Schools. Shortly after graduation, she started working at Holzer Hospital in a secretarial position for the Chief Fiscal Officer. She held this position for over 15 years, and retired after 31 years of service. She married Charles Thomas Beard on April 1, 1962 in Kanauga and they were married nearly 55 years. She is survived by her husband, Charles and two sons, Dwayne Brent Beard of Gallipolis and Charles Jeffery (Lesley) Beard of Columbus, Georgia; one brother, Keith Owen Black of Alabama; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by sisters-in-law, Nancy (Asa) Bailey of Mansfield, Ohio and Alice Giles of Gallipolis; a brother-in-law, James (Rita) Beard of St. Petersburg, Florida; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Joe Giles, William and Ursula Beard. Karen and Charlie enjoyed traveling, taking several trips every year. Karen also loved working with her flowers, reading and especially spending time with her grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was an excellent mother, wife and human being, well liked in this area; she will be sadly missed in the community. There will be no calling hours and the family will honor her request to be cremated. There will be a private memorial service for the family at a later date. Willis Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for the family.