Billie Allread Beachum

Billie Allread Beachum, 79 years wise, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on September 18, 2025 after a long courageous journey with Lewy Body dementia. Billie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Most importantly, she was a faithful and humble servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Billie Clark Allread was born on January 27, 1946 in Columbia. After graduating from Swansea High School in 1964, she attained her Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from the University of South Carolina in 1973. Following, she received her Masters degree from the University in 1979 as well. Forever to Thee, indeed. Billie dedicated over 30 years to the students of Richland School District Two, where the majority of that time, she proudly served as the guidance counselor at L. W. Conder Elementary School. She cherished her students and her colleagues during her tenure at Conder, and finally retired from education in 2012.

During her retirement, Billie spent time with her five grandchildren, instilling in them the importance of kindness for your neighbors, respectful manners no matter the occasion, love for your family, and education above all else. Billie loved her grandchildren unconditionally. In kind, she was the best Nana to them all.

Billie also spent time gardening enthusiastically. She spent many an hour cultivating her beautiful irises, pruning her abundant azaleas and bolstering her bountiful hydrangeas. Flowers brought her much joy throughout her life, and she was rewarded with simple peace nurturing those promising buds from season to season.

As an avid reader, Billie had a particular interest in history. Many a book can be found throughout her home, a library in and of itself, with stories and memories tucked away among the delicate pages, creating her own history for the future generations.

Billie was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Dr. Christine Beachum Sellers; her brother, Dewey Maurice Allread; and her parents, Dewey "Rock" Maurice Allread and Harriet Elizabeth Rucker Allread.

Surviving are her husband of 59 years, John Ray Beachum, Jr. from Columbia, as well as her son, Michael Ray Beachum from Lexington, and her daughter, Dr. Jennifer Beachum Linfert (Jack) from Ridgeway. In addition, Billie is survived by her sister, Iris Allread Ball from Cayce, and her grandchildren, Jamie Sellers and Maddie Stout (Zach) from Camden, and Katie, Emma and Matthew Linfert from Ridgeway.

If one were to summarize Billie's character, unfaltering selflessness stands apart from all. She represented uncompromising integrity, timeless grace, unconditional genuineness, steadfast faith, and unwavering love for all. Billie was a infinite shining kaleidoscope of light, emanating endless rays of assurance, wisdom, benevolence, and trust. Billie will be gravely missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those she has met throughout her years. She now is with God, and her daughter, Chris. Peace and comfort will find us all.

Matthew 25:21 "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Visitation will be offered at Dunbar Funeral Home on Devine Street on September 25 from 5:00-7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at Shandon United Methodist Church on September 26 at 2:00 pm with burial to follow at Quaker Cemetery in Camden.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Epworth Children's Home.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com