Rebecca English Bearden, a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, died on April 28, 2024. Born in 1945 in Jacksonville, North Carolina, she was the second-born child to Billy and Nita English. Rebecca is preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Cheryl English and Cynthia Moore, brother, Larry English, and infant daughter, Jessica. Rebecca leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, serving others, and sharing the gospel.
Rebecca moved to Houston, Texas, at age 3, where she soon thereafter developed a love for riding horses. She competed in youth rodeos as a barrel racer. After spending summers in the Texas Hill Country, she decided to attend high school at San Marcos Baptist Academy, where she graduated in 1963. She received her Associate degree from Kilgore College, where she served as a Lieutenant of the Kilgore Rangerettes. Following Kilgore, she attended the University of North Texas where she met her husband, David Bearden. They moved to Houston and married on September 10, 1966. As she gave birth to her first child, David Jr., she also began a new life as a devoted and loving stay-at-home mom. She had three more children, Jessica, Sarah, and Gabriel. She found joy in raising and introducing them to church and the love of Christ.
David and Rebecca were long-time members of Second Baptist Church Houston. Rebecca was also an active member of Community Bible Study, Kay Arthur Ministries, Daughters of Liberty Republican Women’s Club, and numerous other ministries.
She passionately served with the Crisis Pregnancy Center and the Bill Glass Prison Ministry. Because of her passion to help women in prison, as an adult she earned a degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Her heart’s desire was to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, with an emphasis on helping young people. She loved to host and welcome all into her home, from Christian refugees from former communist countries, missionaries from all over the world, and students training to become leaders through a church or convention.
Rebecca had many spiritual gifts: wisdom, discernment, words of knowledge, selfless giving, and encouragement. She had a contagious laugh and loved to dance. She found joy spending time with her grandchildren, who call her “Beauty,” and serving the elderly.
After she was diagnosed with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, David and Rebecca moved to Dallas to be close to family. He was continually at her side. Facing possible separation during the pandemic, David moved her home from memory care so he could continue being by her side, joined by her earthly angel caregivers, Evelyn and Edith. When Beauty was diagnosed with her illness, she told her husband “If this disease can lead one person to Jesus, then it is worth it all.”
Rebecca is survived by her husband of 57 years, David Bearden; her children: David Jr, Sarah B. Smith (Thad), and Gabriel Bearden (Caren); and her grandchildren: Tulson, Ruby, and Francis Bearden; Frensley, Emery, and Elijah Smith; and William and Teaghan Bearden. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom she loved.
Rebecca “Beauty” Bearden will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She blessed so many people around her, particularly her family, who chose to see the “beauty” in their brokenness. She was everyone’s cheerleader and will be forever remembered for her dedication to her faith and family.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 6:00-8:00pm at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home: 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas 75225. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, May 2, 11:00am at Park Cities Baptist Church of Dallas: 3933 Northwest Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75225, with livestream available here: https://pcbcspecialevents.online.church/. The family welcomes anyone who has been touched by Rebecca’s life.
A private graveside burial will follow the reception for immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Children at Heart Ministries-Gracewood, a Christian ministry very dear to Rebecca and David which rescues children and their single mothers by providing home, hope, and healing.
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