Doris Jean (Rhoads) Beaty

Doris was a wife, mother, and professional educator. Her career in education spanned classrooms, libraries, counseling offices, and continents. Mrs. Beaty devoted her life to learning, service, and family.

Doris was born on April 12, 1931, in Parks, Arkansas, the daughter of Silas Rhoads, an educator, and Quinn (McCraw) Rhoads, a homemaker. Education was both inheritance and vocation for Mrs. Beaty, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1953 from the Arkansas State Teachers College (now University of Central Arkansas). She returned to graduate study after decades in the profession, earning a Master of Education from the University of Arkansas in 1976.

Her career in education began in Forrester, Arkansas, and stretched across a wide range of roles and communities. Over the years, she served as a teacher, counselor, and librarian in school systems including Mansfield, Waldron, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith, adapting to changing educational needs while remaining steadfast in her belief that education was both a personal and public good.

After retiring from public education in Arkansas, Doris extended her professional life abroad. She worked in a United States Armed Forces school in the United Kingdom, and later as a Peace Corps volunteer at Shortwood Teachers College for Girls in Jamaica. These experiences reflected her enduring curiosity, adaptability, and commitment to extending educational opportunities.

She was deeply engaged in the professional life of educators, maintaining long-standing involvement in Delta Kappa Gamma, the international society for women educators, and consistently advocating for the advancement of education throughout her career. As a parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent, she took a close and active interest in the education of her family, an influence that, in practice, extended well beyond them.

On July 15, 1955, at Square Rock, Arkansas, she married Hilton Beaty, also a career educator, with whom she shared a life devoted to family, faith, education, and service. They were long- time, active members of Goddard United Methodist Church and the Adventurers Sunday School class. Doris was also a lifetime member of the United Women in Faith (United Methodist Women). Together, they participated in numerous community service organizations, investing their time and energies in the well-being of others.

Mrs. Beaty is survived by her children, Lawrence Beaty, Marian Beaty Conrad (Patrick), and Lance Beaty (Pam); her brother, Donald Rhoads (Kay); her grandchildren, Jesica Beaty (John), Christopher Beaty (Jordan), Courtney Williams (Chris), Erin Conrad, Kyle Conrad, and Scott Conrad (Lauren); her great-grandchildren, Jareth and Lyssa Bowen, Birkley Beaty, Marshall and Quinn Williams, and Scotty Conrad; along with many nieces and nephews, and her devoted cat, Sphinx.

Throughout a life shaped by learning and service, Doris Jean Beaty embodied the conviction that education patiently given, carefully stewarded, and lovingly shared, could change individual lives and strengthen communities.

A Celebration of Life service will be Monday, January 5 at 11:00 AM at Goddard United Methodist Church. Private family burial will be in Fort Smith National Cemetery prior to the Service. Services and Cremation are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

To honor Doris, call an old friend just to say hello or help mend a hurt or lend a hand to someone in need and give a smile of encouragement to everyone you meet. Memorials may be made to Goddard United Methodist Church, 1922 Dodson Avenue Fort Smith, AR 72901, or the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903.