Mary Robert Spencer "Bobbi" Beard

The following obituary is being shared as a courtesy to the local family and friends of Mrs. Beard. On behalf of the MRC Funeral Home Family, we extend our love, prayers, and sympathy. For online floral orders or directions, please visit www.hancockelmorehill.com.

It is with deep sorrow that the Beard family announces the death of their beloved mother, Mrs. Mary Robert Spencer "Bobbi" Beard, 100.

Mrs. Beard, the widow of John Chappell Beard, Sr., entered into rest on Thursday, March 6, 2025. The Directors of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home & Crematory are caring for the family.

A graveside funeral service to honor her life will be held at 3 o'clock on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Bethlehem United Methodist Church Cemetery, 110 Pinchum Sly Road, Bishopville, SC. The Rev. Hank Fields, Gentiva Hospice Chaplain, will officiate, and the family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her honor to Springhill Assisted Living, 514 Gum Street, Pageland, SC 29728.

Mrs. Beard was born on Friday, December 19, 1924, in Rock Hill, SC. She is the daughter of the late Preston Wylie Spencer and the late Mattie Lou Barnette Spencer. She graduated from Winthrop Training School and Winthrop College, where she also completed graduate courses. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and the S.C. Home Economics Association, as well as the Garden Club, Bridge Club, and Bethlehem United Methodist Church.

She began working as a Home Demonstration Agent in Lexington County and Lee County. She owned and operated a private kindergarten in her home for many years, which led to her employment with the Lee County School system as a kindergarten teacher for over 30 years at Bishopville Primary School until she retired.

Mrs. Beard mastered canning vegetables and baking cookies, brownies, and delicious congo squares. In the spring and summer, she always prepared dill pickles, crystal pickles, and sweet and sour pickles. Her neighbors and friends always appreciated her jams, jellies, and preserves. One of her favorite compliments was when someone asked for a recipe.

Many people enjoyed the famous magnolia tree in her yard for weddings and parties, and Bobbi delighted in making others' events so special.

She is survived by her children, Helen Summer of Columbia, SC, John Chappell (Cindy) Beard, Jr. of Chesterfield, SC, Robin (Bennie) Phillips of Ruffin, SC, Margaret Railey and Mike Payton of Munchie, IN; grandchildren Joseph Railey, Chappell Alcuria (Danniel), and Preston Beard; and great-grandchildren Danniella, Elaina, and Delilah Alcuria.

The family would like to thank the wonderful and loving staff at Springhill Assisted Living. To Samantha McManus, our angel on earth, thank you for all the care and love you provided Bobbi.