Monetta "Jane" Beasley

Monetta Jane Byrd Beasley, of Pearland, Texas, formerly of Manvel, Texas, passed away on October 10, 2011 at the age of 88. While Jane will be dearly missed by her family and friends, she would want everyone to share in her joy as she begins her eternal life with Jesus Christ, her Savior, in heaven.

Jane was born on May 20, 1923 in Nevada, Texas to Lewis and Millie Mae Rexroat. After the passing of her father, she was raised by her mother and step-father, Ben Byrd, Sr. in Mineola and Farmersville, Texas. At the age of 19, Jane met James Beasley, and after only three weeks of courtship, they married on August 20, 1942 and spent 68 years together. James and Jane raised their two daughters, Janet and Joyce, in the Almeda area and eventually settled in Manvel, where they were members of the First Baptist Church of Manvel. Following James’ death last summer, Jane lived out the rest of her life at Trinity Oaks in Pearland.

In addition to being a loving wife and mother to her family, Jane was employed by HISD as a lunch room manager at Almeda Elementary School for 12 years, and retired from the UT Dental College in 1975 after 10 years of service.

Jane is survived by her two daughters: Janet Harris and husband, Russell, of Alvin and Joyce Bennett and husband, Richard, of Austin; four grandchildren: Ron Coker Jr. and wife, Sharon, of Bellaire, Darrin Coker and wife, Ann, of Katy, Shawn Murphy Melcher and husband, David, of Arlington, and Shannon Murphy Justiss of McKinney. She leaves behind three great grandchildren: Matthew Coker and Andrew Coker of Katy, and Brayson Justiss of McKinney. Jane is also survived by one brother, Ben Byrd, Jr. of Hurst.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James; her sisters, Miriam and Dorothy; and her brother Raymond.

Jane’s life was one truly blessed by God and Jane, in turn, blessed those around her. Knowing Jane, one begins to understand the concept of spiritual authenticity. At a time when people seek satisfaction from personal accomplishments, Jane chose to live her life in pursuit of an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. She understood what the author of Ecclesiastes meant when he wrote, “I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Other than her relationship with Jesus Christ, the only thing that mattered was the relationship with her family and friends. She realized that her life would not be measured by her personal achievement, but instead her legacy would be reflected through her sharing the love of Christ with her family. Although Jane will be missed on earth, her legacy remains, and those who knew Jane were blessed to get a glimpse of their Heavenly Father.

Serving as pall bearers will be Ron Coker, Darrin Coker, Matthew Coker, Andrew Coker, Russell Harris, Richard Bennett, Ben Byrd, Jr., and Mike Hiatt.

Friends may visit with the family beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 14, 2011 at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home located at 6900 Lawndale in Houston. The Memorial service will directly follow visitation at 11:00 a.m. and will be led by Pastors Steve Porter and Mike Mathews with special music led by John Mark Benson.

The family expresses special thanks to the staff of Laurel Court in Alvin and IPH Hospice of Angleton, as well as the Pastoral Care Group of Sagemont Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Blessing Israeli Believers, P.O. Box 564, Pearland, Texas 77588. Psalm 122: 6-9