Khuong T Beard

January 1, 1943 – April 20, 2026

Khương “Mai” Thi Beard was born on January 1, 1943, in Hà Đông, North Vietnam to her beloved parents, Nguyễn Văn Nhạc and Đoàn Thị Nậm, and peacefully transitioned from this life on Monday, April 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of strength, faith, and love that will be forever cherished.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Merwin Roy Beard; her mother, Đoan Thi Nậm; her father, Nguyễn Văn Nhạc; her sisters, Nguyễn Thị Miên and Nguyễn Thị Viễn.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Tony Beard of Houston, Texas and Linda Nicholas of Petersburg, IL; her brother, Nguyễn Đức Chí of Vietnam; her grandchildren Alicia (Jacob) Hendricks, Sicely (Samuel) Kluge, Serena Nicholas, Christopher Nicholas, Taylor Moore, Misty Nicholas, as well as six great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins who will continue to honor and treasure her memory.

She chose Mai as her American nickname, a name meaning flower or apricot blossom. It was a fitting reflection of her spirit; bringing hope, warmth, and joy to all who knew her.

Tragically, during a military sweep by French forces through their village of Hà Đông, her parents, older sister, and several extended family members lost their lives, leaving behind a group of young children suddenly orphaned. In the face of unimaginable loss at a very young age, her uncle took in Khuong “Mai” and the other orphaned children and raised them as his own, providing them with stability and care during a time of great upheaval. In 1953, she and some of her remaining family members moved South, seeking safety and opportunity, just before the division of Vietnam in 1954 into North and South. At a very young age, Mai made that journey to temporarily help care for the children, but the separation that followed would last for two decades as war divided their family who remained in the North. Despite the hardships, she showed remarkable strength and carried on the compassion, helping to care for her orphaned family members as they grew, embodying resilience, devotion, and quiet courage throughout her life. In 1968, she met her husband, Merwin Roy Beard, during his service in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. By 1970 she immigrated to the United States, and they married in Chandlerville, IL on June 12, 1970.

Born in Vietnam, she carried the beauty and warmth of her upbringing with her wherever life’s journey led. A true citizen of the world, she traveled far and wide yet never lost the kindness and generosity that defined her. To Mai, there were no strangers, only friends she had not yet met. She loved talking with people and could carry on a conversation as if she had known you for years, even if you had only met moments before. Her door was always open, and her smile was always ready to welcome others in. She found great joy in caring for her family members starting from a very young age and throughout her life, including the boy next door. Her kindness, patience, and nurturing spirit left a lasting impression on the young lives she nurtured. She will be remembered for her compassion, her warmth, and the love she gave so freely to her family and everyone she encountered.

She was a devoted housewife and mother, dedicating her life to creating a warm and loving home for her family. Those closest to her will forever remember the comforting aroma of her kitchen with the fragrant herbs from her garden, the simmering of oyster sauce, and treasured family recipes passed down through generations. She found great joy in preparing traditional Vietnamese cuisine, and even greater joy in sharing it. Her delicious eggroll meals were a favorite amongst her family and friends. Neighbors often left her home with containers of food lovingly placed into their hands before they could politely decline. A meal from Mai was never just food; it was an expression of love for who she prepared it for.

She had a deep love for gardening. Blessed with a remarkable green thumb, she spent countless hours tending to her flowers and plants, perfecting her garden in her backyard with a waterfall that she proudly built. She had a way of transforming every patch of earth she touched into something beautiful. She tended to her flowers and plants with patience and care, grafting cuttings, nurturing growth, and bringing new life wherever she planted.

Mai’s life was a testimony of resilience, generosity, and grace. She gave freely, loved deeply, and brightened the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit blooms on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Eternal Peace at Forest Park, 2454 S Dairy Ashford Rd, Houston, TX 77077.

The head-banding ceremony will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. also at the Chapel on the same day, followed by the cremation service held onsite at 12:00 p.m.

The funeral concludes with the prayer service at 1:00 p.m. at Vien Thong Buddhist Temple, 17355 Groeschke Road, TX 77084.