Margaret Walters Beech passed away on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023, with her family at her side. She was born on June 15, 1939 to Arthur Jackson Walters and Elsie Odom Walters. Margaret was one of eight children and was a devoted daughter, sister, wife and mother. Instilled in her from childhood was a strong work ethic and commitment to family.
She grew up taking care of others, especially her beloved younger sister, Debbie, as a child, and later caring for aging and ill family members. Because Margaret was an exceptional student, she was able to skip an entire grade. As a result, she graduated from high school a year early and married the love of her life, William Thomas Beech, just one day after turning 17 years of age. Margaret and Tom began their life together in 1956 and would later celebrate 65 years of marriage.
Margaret’s passing on Mother’s Day was fitting considering what a devoted and committed mother she was. Her faith was strong and her resolve unwavering. She was a perfectionist and a strict disciplinarian; however, we always knew her objective was to raise strong, faithful, smart, and successful children. Although she briefly worked outside the home, she chose to fully devote her life to her family and all the commitments and responsibilities being a great Mother entails. She was an incredible seamstress, a blessing for clothing three growing children, which also afforded her the opportunity to work from home using her numerous creative talents.
She was a lifelong member of Friendship Baptist Church, serving as a Sunday School and Bible School Teacher. She was the Bible Drill Director at Friendship for many years and took great pride in the young people she coached in local and State drills. She also very much enjoyed serving as a judge for County and State Bible Drills. Margaret served in various other positions at Friendship, including Co-Treasurer, Sunday School Secretary, Custodian, and various committee positions. For many years, she also served as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Johnson Community Center and coordinated various activities to be held there.
After her husband Tom’s passing in late 2021, not a day passed that Margaret didn’t ask about him and his whereabouts. Her steadfast and abiding love for Tom was evidenced by her daily thoughts of him, even through the struggles of dementia. Today, we can all take comfort in knowing that Margaret and Tom are now reunited and rejoicing together in that heavenly kingdom.
She is survived by her three children, Pamela Jacobus (Jay); Paula Brewer; and Dwayne Beech (Missy); three grandchildren, Reeve Jacobus, III (Anna); Sydney Beech and Darcy Beech; and siblings, Eleanor Purvis (George), Freddie Walters (Winnie), and Deborah Martin (Gerald); sisters-in-law, Dean Walters, Ann Peffercorn, Eleanor Beech Hill, Nell Geddie and Ola Mitchell; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and many dear friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William Thomas Beech; her parents, Arthur and Elsie Walters; brothers, Herbert, Herschel (Mildred) and Doug Walters; sister, Exel Aultman (Ken); and son-in-law, Billy Brewer. Margaret was especially proud of her children and her grandchildren and their many accomplishments, as evidenced by the hundreds of clippings and photos she maintained over the years.
Visitation will be held at Ellisville Funeral Home in Ellisville, Mississippi on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A Memorial service will be held in the Chapel on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 10 a.m. Immediately following the service, interment will be at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery, Ellisville, Mississippi. Pallbearers are Randall Scarbrough, Robert Scarbrough, Ronnie Scarbrough, Phil Walters, Mike Walters, and Greg Walters. Gerald Martin and Ray Scarbrough will serve as honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Friendship Baptist Church Building Fund (Ellisville, Mississippi).
The family would like to thank Mrs. Ernestine Hunter, Ms. Jessica Hunter, and Mrs. Janice Upshaw, as well as the staff at the Windham House (Hattiesburg, Mississippi), The Beehive (Petal, Mississippi), and Forrest General Home Health and Hospice for their loving care and support in our time of need. We are eternally grateful for all of your love and support.
The world changes from year to year, our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of our mother shall never pass away. Unknown
A mother's love is always with her children.
Losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know.
But her goodness, her caring, and her wisdom live on, like a legacy of love that will always be with us.
May that love surround us now and bring us peace. Unknown
