Gerri Beeson

If you are reading this obituary, I have moved on to my Heavenly home. Please don’t weep for me. I have lived a long and eventful life. I’ve made a few mistakes but I am leaving quite satisfied with the outcome. I have had the love and support of a very loving family. I have traveled extensively, having visited 49 states and 24 foreign countries. I could ask for no more.

I was born March 6, 1934 in Wayne, Oklahoma to Earl and Ocie (Powell) Beam. I graduated from Purcell High School in 1952. I married Billy H. Dyer in 1953. We were blessed with two sons, Paul Leslie (1955) and Joel Bryan (1958). Bill was killed in a work-related accident in 1968. I married Ron Beeson in 1969 and became mother to Jeff, Toni, and Christi Beeson. I started to Central State University in Edmond in 1969, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1973. I attended the University of Mississippi from 1975-1978 and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Special Education. In 1979, along with Ron, I joined the Peace Corps and served two years in Swaziland, Africa as the National Coordinator for the Swaziland National Society for the Handicapped.

Upon my return to Edmond I worked as Special Services Director for the Oklahoma Library for the Blind until retirement in 1996. From 1986-2020 I worked parttime as a facilitator for the First Time Offender Program in Oklahoma City and Moore.

I was preceded in death by husband, Bill Dyer; ex-husband; Ron Beeson; parents, Earl and Ocie Beam; brother, Dale Beam; daughter-in-law, Ellen Ramsey Dyer; and long-time companion, Robert Walker.

Survivors include sons, Paul Dyer (Carol), Joel Dyer; stepchildren, Jeff Beeson (Monica), Toni Beeson, Christi Wright (Jimmy); 2 grandchildren, Callie Dyer and Sam Dyer; 5 step grandchildren, Zac Shahan, Krystal Jensen, Justin Beeson, Tiffany Shelkey, and Gerrianne Creel; as well as 17 great grandchildren.

I have lived my entire life based on the philosophy that “progress begins with the belief that what is necessary is possible.” It has been a good ride, and now I move on to the next phase of my life with my Lord.

Donations in Memory of Gerri may be made to the Moore Youth and Family Services in Moore, Oklahoma.

A Celebration of Gerri’s life will be held at 2pm Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at Bill Merritt Funeral Service in Bethany, Oklahoma, with interment following at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.billmerrittfuneralservice.com for the Beeson family.