Lucille Beacham Howard

Ruby Lucille “Lucy” Beacham Howard, 94, formerly of 1254 Camp Creek Road, died July 28, 2012 at The Cottages at Brushy Creek in the loving care of her family and the staff in Lilac Cottage where she was a resident. She celebrated her 94th birthday on July 1 with a birthday party given in her honor and in the presence of many family members and friends. A native of Greenville County, she was the widow of Melvin Gurley Howard, whom she married late in her life. She was the daughter of Rev. Hartwell and Lou Della Burgess Beacham and the last surviving member of her family. She was a graduate of Mountain View High School and a former employee of Homelite. Mrs. Howard was a charter member of Praise Cathedral Church of God and was an active member up until recently when she was no longer able to attend. She loved her church and the many friends whom she cherished. She was a 40 year member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Hampton-Lee Chapter #1281 serving as president for twelve years. Lucy was a homemaker and caregiver for her father and mother for many years. With her remarkable memory she was considered the “family historian” and always had a wealth of information to share about her family including her Fowler, Beacham and Burgess ancestral roots and other connected linage lines. She adored her father whom she drew a wealth of information from about his encounters and stories which she used to tell to others. At the encouragement of her niece, many of her stories have been written down. In sharing her stories, she was once an invited speaker at the Greenville County Genealogical Society where she “brought the house down” with her funny stories. Surviving are three stepsons, Steve Howard and wife, Sue, of Greer; Jim Howard and wife, Suzanna of Charlotte, NC; and Larry Howard of Summerville, SC. Also surviving are her long time primary care givers, Tom Beacham (nephew) and wife Shirley. She is also survived by a large number of nieces and nephews along with many great nieces and nephews and step grandchildren all of whom she loved in her own “Lucy” way. Preceding her in death were seven sisters, Bert Lynn, Minnie Cartrette, Grace Moon Howard, Nelle Dill, Pearl Taylor, Blanch Chastain and Billie Quemere along with six brothers, Otto Beacham, Alonzo Beacham, Dan Beacham, Jim Beacham, Paul Beacham, Joe Beacham and a very special great niece, Susan Beacham Shaw. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Wood Mortuary Chapel conducted by Rev. Bobby Johnson and Rev. Jerry Madden. Burial will be in Wood Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Joe Dill, Robert Taylor, Roger Chastain, Benny Beacham, Kenneth Waters, David Quemere, Chad Howard and Charles Moon. Honorary escort will be members of the Hampton-Lee Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. The families will be at their respective homes. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Tuesday at The Wood Mortuary. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com Memorials may be made to Praise Cathedral Church of God, P.O. Box 287, Greer, SC 29652 or to The Cottages at Brushy Creek Resident Activity Fund, 101 Cottage Creek Circle, Greer, SC 29650.

Lucille Beacham Howard

July 3, 1918 - July 28, 2012