Mary E. Beard

Mary E. Beard, 92, of Springfield, formerly of Athens, passed away at 5:35 a.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at Memorial Medical Center. Mary was born July 16, 1923 in Herrin, the daughter of Walter and Mabel Castell Saylor. She married Edward Earl Beard on June 12, 1949; he preceded her in death in 1994. Mary graduated from Herrin High School and attended Brown's Business College. She retired after many years of service from the State of Illinois, Department of Rehabilitation. She was a member of Athens Christian Church. Mary loved to bowl, and was an avid Chicago Cubs and Illini fan. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents; and two sons, Harold Beard and Edward Earl Beard, Jr. She is survived by three sons, Marvin (Susan) Beard of Springfield, Pete (Cindy) Beard of O'Fallon, MO, Albert Dwayne (Dena) Beard of St. Peters, MO; four daughters, Elaine Beard of Springfield, Marlene (Jerry) Pochynok of Irvington, Joyce McDaniel of Williamsville, and JoAnn Ablen of Athens; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral ceremony at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, March 14, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield with Pastor Ken Gennicks officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to: American Cancer Society, 675 E. Linton, Springfield, IL 62703 or Athens Christian Church, 1411 W State Route 29, Athens, IL 62613.