Linda Hicks Beard, 85, of Dawson, Georgia, was born August 21, 1941, in Columbus, Georgia, and passed away September 21, 2026. Linda will be remembered as a beloved and cherished presence—steady in faith, gentle in spirit, and devoted in the many quiet ways that make a life truly meaningful.
Raised in Columbus, Linda graduated from Columbus High School and later from Columbus College. Her thoughtful nature and patient strength were evident early on, qualities that would continue to shape the way she served others throughout her life.
Linda dedicated herself to education as an educator at Terrell Academy, where her compassionate heart and kind attentiveness made a lasting difference in the lives of her students. She also managed the Terrell Academy Thrift Shop, giving her time with the same selfless care and dependable devotion that marked all she did. Many will remember her as a constant light in the daily rhythm of school life—faithful, encouraging, and quietly steadfast.
Linda was the wife of Donald Beard and the mother of Natalie Beard. Her love for family was expressed not only in words, but in the countless thoughtful acts that made others feel supported and seen. She also carried a special legacy as the coach’s wife—offering practical help, patient support, and whatever was needed to care for the team, always with a generous spirit and a warm, often humorous touch.
A devoted member of Dawson Methodist Church, Linda served on the bereavement committee, extending comfort with a gentle presence and a compassionate heart. Her faith was not simply something she held, but something she lived—through kindness, service, and the steady care she offered to others in times of need.
Linda found joy in simple pleasures: reading, watching crime shows and mysteries, and enjoying music and singing. She delighted in puzzles, painting, and gabbing—moments that reflected her warm nature, her patient mind, and her ability to bring comfort and connection to everyday life.
Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Wayne Beard; her mother, Ruth Elizabeth Wells Hicks; and her father, Robert John Hicks. She is survived by her daughter, Natalie Anne Beard.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at Dawson Methodist Church, 306 Stonewall St., Dawson, Georgia 39842, on September 26, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Family will visit with friends after the service at the church.
Visitation for Family and Friends will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary - Columbus, Fisher Chapel, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia 31907, on September 28, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life Funeral Service at 3:00 pm at the same location.
Burial will take place at Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Rd, Columbus, on September 28, 2026.
