Nancy Sullivan Beard

Nancy Sullivan Beard, born on September 11, 1922 in Century, Florida, died peacefully holding her children's hands, on December 13th 2010 in her daughter's home in Orlando, Florida. Nancy was the quintessential mother and friend not only to her biological family and children, but to all who needed compassion, nurturing, guidance and unconditional love and support. She was most known for her tenderness, charm, grace, courage, strength and positive attitude and she truly believed what so many of us were blessed to hear her frequently say, "darling, things will work out." Nancy was raised in Mississippi where as a little girl her some of her fondest memories were summers spent on Lake Washington lost in childhood play. She went on to become a ballerina in New York City and a runway and print model on famous Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida where she met, fell in love and married the handsome Navy pilot and Yale graduate, Edward L. Beard III. They had five children. Nancy was a lifelong volunteer and nurturer to those in need, whether through formal organizations or simply through people she knew needed help. During WWII, she served as a volunteer in the military hospital where she kept severely wounded servicemen company. One paratrooper was so devastatingly injured that he refused to speak, until one day, after many months of mom sitting by him and talking to him quietly, he asked if she would help him dictate a letter to his family. For over 30 years she was a Transport Aide at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey where she was fondly remembered for providing a needed hand to hold regardless of circumstance. For over 44 years, Nancy was a proud and devoted member of P.E.O. "" Philanthropic Educational Organization "" one of the nation's oldest women's organizations dedicated to promoting the education and advancement of women, particularly those in need. She was a very active member of Chapter P of Winston Salem and her P.E.O. "sisters" were some of her dearest friends. Young at heart and full of life, she was a positive inspiration to all and made every situation more fun and memorable. Whether enjoying her wave-runner at the lake, riding on a scooter throughout Greece or driving ten hours in her car with her dog Lady and a bag of popcorn, mom sucked life out of every single moment. She loved people and relationships made her life full, and in doing so, she taught all of us around her what was most important ~ love. She is survived by her daughter, Dianne Beard; sons Edward Beard and Charles Beard and wife, Donna; beloved grandchildren: Nancy Beard, Chelsea Beard and Michael Beard; and two great grandchildren: Peter Beard and Jack Beard. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 4th at 2 p.m. at Messiah Moravian Church 1401 Peace Haven Road in Winston Salem. The family will receive friends at her home afterwards. Memorials may be made to P.E.O. Foundation, P.E.O. Executive Office, Treasurer's Dept., 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, 50312. Online condolences may be made at www.degusipefuneralhome.com. Her family would like to genuinely thank all of her wonderful friends for their unyielding support and love. Thanks to mom, we are all blessed.Arrangements entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory 9001 N. Orlando Ave. Maitland, FL. 32751. phone 407-695-CARE (2273). Please visit us at Degusipefuneralhome.com to leave a condolence.

Nancy Sullivan Beard

September 11, 1922 - December 13, 2010