Stella Lorene Beard

Stella Beard, age 91, passed into heavenly glory on December 20, 2015. Even in her final years, Stella kept her engaging smile and humorous personality.

Stella grew up in North Alabama as Stella Sewell. She spent her adolescent years studying and working in the cotton fields. As the youngest of five siblings, Stella learned a strong work ethic and skills of hospitality. She also grew up rooted deeply in the Christian Faith.

Stella met her husband Wilbert while working at TVA. The two instantly became sweethearts and married in 1945. Like many families of World War II, Stella and Wilbert lost friends and family members while working hard at home. Stella loved children and was blessed with one precious daughter, Sandra.

Many people in Columbia and beyond knew Stella from her many years at Gordon's dress store on the Columbia downtown square. She prided herself in helping others find the right look and clothing her own family in fashionable ways. Long after Stella's retirement, people would approach her on the street with stories of her at Gordon's.

Stella was a compassionate Christian who valued education as a key to life success. Stella was known for her hospitality and willingness to help children in difficult situations. While Stella only received a high school education, she was a lifelong advocate for Christian education and college. She was also a member of Graymere Church of Christ.

The pride of her life was her daughter, Sandra (Ron) McCarthy of Columbia, TN, and her two grandchildren: Rodney (Monica) McCarthy of Spring Hill, TN, and Sally (Brett) Loftis of Crossnore, NC. She is survived by her four great-grandchildren: Luke and Kinsey McCarthy of Spring Hill, TN, and Elijah and Lawson Loftis of Crossnore, NC. She also had a very special place in her heart for Charlie Rash of Chattanooga, TN, whom she and Wilbert kept as a child. Stella is preceded in death by her husband, Wilbert Beard, and her four siblings: Horace, Leona, Willa Mae and Homer Dee Sewell.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, December 22, from 4pm-8pm at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, TN. A private graveside service will take place at Polk Memorial Gardens.

Memorial gifts can be made to the Wilbert and Stella Beard College Scholarship at The Crossnore School, PO Box 249, 100 DAR Drive, Crossnore, NC, 28616. The Crossnore School provides a Christian sanctuary of healing and education for children in the foster care system.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.williamsfh.com .