Georgia “Wanell” Beard, 85, of Benton, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026.

She was born on January 31, 1941, in Reliance, Tennessee to the late George and Eva Lee Qualls Crump. Wanell was loved by those who had the blessing of having known her. She was a cherished wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who never met a stranger and always had a smile on her face. An avid Dale Earnhardt fan, she enjoyed the many trips to Talladega to watch NASCAR and cheer for Dale. A few of her fondest memories include the many trips through Red Hills looking for deer and attending the many events of her grandchildren. She was an avid supporter of her grandkids and great-grandkids athletic games too. Her family meant the entire world to her, and she will be deeply missed by each one of them.

In addition to her parents, George and Eva Lee Qualls Crump, she is preceded by her son, Jeffrey Beard; siblings, Marion Eddie Crump, Mary Belle Crump Bankston and Doris Leon Crump; adored mother-in-law and father-in-law, Warren “Big Boy” and Pauline Beard.

Left to cherish the many memories include her loving husband of 66 years, Kenneth “Bige” Beard; children, Ken “Flod” (Angie) Beard, Paula (Daniel) Stamey; grandchildren, Megan (Travis) Carroll, Tyler (Jennifer) Beard, Seth (Jessica) Beard, Connor Stamey and Kenzie Stamey; great grandchildren, Lane and Sadie Carroll, Jack Beard, Kingston Carroll, Rylan Hughes, Braylee Beard and Bryce Beard; brother, David (Emily) Crump; sister, Carol Faye (Ken) Rayburn. Several nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws also survive.

A private graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Tyler Beard, Seth Beard, Travis Carroll, Connor Stamey, Justin Crump, Lane Carroll, Rylan Hughes and Kingston Carroll serving as pallbearers

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home with Reverend David Crump officiating.

Her family will receive friends from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFunerals.com.

Higgins Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of arrangements.