Onita Wilkes Beard

OLANTA – Onita Wilkes Beard, 81, widow of Joseph Albert Beard, entered her eternal rest on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at Heritage Home of Florence. Born June 18, 1940, in Olanta, she was a daughter of the late Johnny Wilkes and the late Alice Lee Wilkes. She was a member of Friersons Tabernacle Church and the ladies Auxiliary of the church. She also was a member of the Olanta Seniors Group. She loved to travel with her friends Thelma McKenzie, Gladys Ard and their spouses. She is survived by her three sons, Joel L. Beard (Brenda) of Florence, Bobby Joe Beard (Saundra) of Coward, and John Bert Beard (Kathy) of Columbia; seven grandchildren, Brandon Beard, Jason (Jessica) Beard, Ashley (Jason) Hudson, B.J., Beard (Jami Perry), Brittany (Player) Mims and Jessica Beard (George Branham). Honorary grandchild, Shonquez (Esveydi) Nelson.; twelve great grandchildren; four honorary grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 58 years; three sisters, Cecil Wiessner, Gladys Ard, and Myrtle Moore. Nine brothers, Eustil Wilkes, C. W. Wilkes, (MIA in Korea), J.W. Wilkes, Rue Wilkes, Theodore Wilkes, Caleb Wilkes, Luther Wilkes, Sam Nettles and Hoyt Nettles. A funeral service will be held 3pm on Friday, April 22, 2022, at Frierson’s Tabernacle Church with Rev. Mike Benton and Rev. Anthony Cole officiating. Burial will follow in Lake City Memorial Park. Pallbearers, Brandon Beard, Jason Beard, Jason Hudson, B.J. Beard, Addison Beard and Evan Beard. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service (2 – 3 PM) at Friersons Tabernacle . The family request that memorials be made to Friersons Tabernacle Church Building Fund, c/o P.O. Box 366, Olanta, SC 29114. Arrangements made through Floyd Funeral Home, 136 E. Main Street, Olanta, SC, (843)396-4470. www.floydfuneral.com