Audrey Lane Beard

She was born and raised in Crowley, LA, the ninth of ten children. She married Eugene Beard on December 31, 1960, and together they moved their growing family to Texas, where she began her career in the administrative field.

Through the years, Audrey worked for SIP Engineering, AMF Tuboscope, and NASA/Johnson Space Center, where she was proud to be part of the shuttle preparation team. Later, she enjoyed a second career in real estate and was proud to have earned her Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from San Jacinto Junior College along the way.

Audrey loved being active in her community, where she enjoyed dancing “the whip” with Bob, knitting, gardening, and spending time with family. She was an active member of Deer Park United Methodist Church and the United Women in Faith sewing ministry, creating dresses for girls in need in third-world countries.

She will be remembered for her warm spirit, love of life, and incredible cooking—especially her famous pork roast and other treasured Cajun family dishes.

Audrey is survived by her children: Mark Beard, Duane Beard (Diana) and Michael Beard (Beth) as well as her beloved grandchildren: Blake Beard, Nicole Beard, Amber Beard, Alexandria Beard, Abby Beard Schutze (Seth), Brett Beard, and Aaron Beard. She is also survived by her youngest sister, Geneva Hebert, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Eugene Beard, the father of her children; her second husband, Bob Nelson; and her brothers and sisters: J.C. Cart, Willard Cart, John (Gus) Cart (Helen), George Cart, Theresa Cart, Shirley Louque, Bobby Cart, and Keith Cart.

A memorial service celebrating Audrey’s life will be held at Deer Park United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow.