Elizabeth Kelly Beck

She was born on January 3, 1953, in Mobile, Alabama, and raised in Whistler alongside her eight siblings and devoted parents, the late William Carl Kelly and Evelyn O’Neal Kelly.

As a teenager, Elizabeth fell in love with a sweet boy from their church named Frank, and the two were married on February 1, 1974. Together, they settled in Saraland, Alabama, where they raised seven children — three biological and four adopted — who were the greatest joys of her life. Through the years, they touched the lives of countless other children along the way. This year, Frank and Elizabeth joyfully celebrated 51 wonderful years of marriage.

A proud graduate of Vigor High School’s Class of 1971, Elizabeth made many lifelong friends with whom she remained very close with throughout her life. After having her first three children, she pursued higher education and earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science from Mobile College in 1996. Elizabeth worked as a computer programmer and business analyst for Saad’s Healthcare in Mobile, Providence Hospital in Mobile, Tencel in Axis, Gulf States Paper in Tuscaloosa, and Chevron Refinery in Pascagoula.

After retiring in 2019, Elizabeth devoted her days to her greatest joy — spending time with her family. Whether it was enjoying quiet moments with her husband, visits with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, lunches with her siblings and the “outlaws,” catching up with dear friends, or outings with “her girls,” she truly lived every day to the fullest.

Elizabeth’s presence and warm smile radiated the love of Christ. She faithfully attended Destination Church in Saraland, Alabama, and, after her cancer diagnosis, continued attending virtually every Sunday. Her relationship with God was the foundation of her life and something she joyfully shared with everyone she met. Always an encourager, Elizabeth had a gift for offering godly wisdom and comforting words, ministering to others wherever she went. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, love, and kindness.

Elizabeth courageously battled stage 4 breast cancer for four years, far surpassing her initial six-month prognosis — and oh, how she lived! She held tightly to Psalm 118:24: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” She embraced each day with gratitude, joy, and unconditional love. Elizabeth loved her family deeply.

She leaves behind her beloved husband of 51 years, Franklin Beck; three sons, Christopher Beck, Timothy “T.J.” (Jennifer) Beck, and Caden Beck; and four daughters, Jennifer (Joe, her son-in-love) Moran, Abrianna Beck, Trista Beck, and Ariana Beck. She cherished her role as “Mimi” to her grandchildren — Andrew (Candace) Ward, Gavin (Ashton) Strickland, Braxtin Moran, Micah (Bridgett) Strickland, Brendon Moran, and Evelyn “Evie” Moran — and to her great-grandchildren, Layton Strickland, Cameron Ward, and William “Liam” Strickland. She is also survived by her six loving siblings: Gayle Travis, Faye Berrey, Ralph (Sheila) Kelly, W.C. (Nora) Kelly, Julane (Don) Greenlee, and Tommy (Neci) Kelly — along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, William Carl Kelly and Evelyn O’Neal Kelly; two sisters, Janice Janay Kelly and Mary Lee Kelly; her Uncle Dewey O’Neal; and her beloved niece Casandra “Sandee” Kelly, along with many more loving family members and friends who welcomed her home.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the love, prayers, and support shown during this time of loss. Elizabeth was full of life and wanted her funeral to reflect that. She requested that no one wear black, but instead, cheerful colors to celebrate her beautiful life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in her name to the Mitchell Cancer Institute of Mobile, where she received her chemo and was cared for so lovingly by the doctors, nurses, and staff.

https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/32044/donations/new?a=5932256

Pallbearers:

Her beloved grandsons — Andrew Ward, Gavin Strickland, Braxtin Moran, Micah Strickland, Caden Beck, and Brendon Moran.

Officiants:

Her cherished nephews, Paul Kelly and Donnie Greenlee.

Musical Tributes:

Her beloved granddaughter, Evie Moran, and lifelong friends, Steve Warren and Phillip Yamin