Lou Edith Beckman

Lou Edith Beckman, 88, of Grant, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 28, 2015. She spent her last few weeks at the Indian River Center nursing home in West Melbourne, Florida.

Edith was born November 28, 1926 in Roderfield, West Virginia. She was the middle child of Johnny and Fanny Dillion and had eight siblings. She was proud to say she was a true “Coal Miner’s Daughter”. Her family moved to Independence, Kentucky when she was in college. She followed after earning her teacher’s certificate and taught fifth and sixth grade in Independence.

Edith met Harold Beckman, the love of her life, on a blind date set-up by her father and Harold’s grandfather who worked together on the C & O Railroad. Four months later they eloped to Knoxville, Tennessee. The couple moved from Independence in 1948 to Florida, living in Miami, Roseland, Fellsmere and finally settling in Grant in 1961.

Edith enjoyed sewing and crafts and was an avid quilter. She was active in the Grant Homemaker’s Club, Grant Community Library and Grant Seafood Festival. But more than anything else, she will be remembered for her devotion to the Lord and her church, the Calvary Baptist Church of Grant, where she was a beloved Bible study teacher for over 50 years.

Edith was predeceased by Harold, her husband of 54 years. She is survived by her son, Harold Jr. of Grant, Florida, his daughter Adele Snow and her husband Brian and children Airenn, Bailey and Michael of Lakewood, California; her daughter, Cathy Butler and her husband Bill of Palm Bay and their son Dennis, also of Palm Bay.

Fountainhead Funeral Home is in charge of final arrangements. A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 22, 2015 2:00 pm at Calvary Baptist Church in Grant, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Edith to the Calvary Baptist Church of Grant, 5640 Old Dixie Highway, Grant, Florida, 32949.