Dr. Frankie Rorie Beard, 69, of Muscle Shoals, AL, passed away surrounded by her family and loved ones on Saturday, March 4, 2017, at Helen Keller Hospital in Sheffield, AL. Frankie was born in Corinth, MS, and graduated from Iuka High School. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Alabama, her Education Specialist degree from the University of Alabama, and her Doctorate Degree in Education Administration from The University of Alabama. She retired as principal of Roan School in Dalton, GA, in 2003.
Frankie was one of four children born to the late Gordon M. Rorie and Martha Dee Johnston Dobbins, and was the beloved wife of Mike Beard. Frankie will forever be remembered by her devoted brother, Milton Rorie (Mary Kate); loving sisters, Fredda McCune (Sam) and Donna Huey (Mike); beloved children Susan Graves Smith (Michael), Wesley McGill (Louzell), Jason McGill (Heather), Derek Beard (Karen), Travis Beard (Kanosha), and Laura Weeks (Wesley); her treasured grandchildren, Marshall, Winston, Jerrica, Mason, Leigha, Josie, Nicholas, Seth, Courtney, Michael, Olivia, Rylee, Lydia, and Liam; and many cherished nephews and nieces, along with countless other friends and family who were blessed to know her.
Frankie loved reading, travelling, playing Word, Solitaire, and Bunco, couponing, and growing vegetables in her garden at Beard Farms in Cherokee. Her most treasured pastime was spending time with her family and the love of her life, Mike.
Frankie touched the lives of many people with her smile and generosity. She clipped coupons and shopped so she could give to free medical clinics, and bingo prizes for Tishomingo County Adult Day Care Center.
Her love for children and her belief that all children deserved the best education possible was demonstrated throughout her life. She taught with compassion, mentored with understanding, tutored with enthusiasm, and volunteered with love.
Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of life service at 2:00 p.m., on March 8, at Cutshall Funeral Home Chapel in Iuka, officiated by Bro. Ken Delano. Interment will follow at Forrest Memorial Park in Corinth. Visitation is scheduled for 12:00 noon until service time at the funeral home on Wednesday. Pallbearers include Donald Sanderson, Winston Smith, Mason McGill, Evan Higgins, Alex Higgins, and Jeff Crosby. Marshall Smith will serve as honorary pallbearer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests all memorial donations be sent to Cancer Treatment Fund for Asher Wallace, Valley Credit Union, 180 Main Street, Cherokee, AL 35616. An online guest book can be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
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