Martha Claire Powell Beckham

She was born February 19, 1923 in Jacksonville, FL. She grew up in Riverside, graduating from Robert E. Lee High School in 1940 and from Florida State College for Women (FSU) in 1944, where she was a proud member of the Phi Mu sorority. She married a World War II navy pilot, George Beckham, in 1943 and was married for over 60 years and raised three children together; Orrin (Marilyn), Stephen (Mary Jane), and Barbara Carter (Lester). She has 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Mrs. Beckham taught school in Jacksonville at Hogan Spring Glen and Greenfield Elementary for 30 years and was active with The Florida Retired Educators. She was a proud Master Gardener and animal lover.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Margie Powell and her husband, George Beckham.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, July 29, 2016 in Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.