Norma Jean Beard

Norma Jean Beard, lovingly known as "Grandma Cookie" to her grandchildren, passed away unexpectedly on August 29, 2023, at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson, IL, the result of a fall at home. She was born in Lawrenceville, IL, on May 18, 1931, the daughter of Ernest & Mary Jane (Plowman) Ray. The hardships of her early life, which included growing up poor in a home with dirt floors, did not dampen her spirit but instead instilled in her a strong work ethic and remarkable resilience. Determined to help her family, she quit high school to work at the Five Sisters Sewing Factory and would find employment through a number of other local establishments as well, including the Country Club, Phillippe's Grocery, Crawford Electronics, and Pamida. No matter where she was employed, Norma always gave her all. Eventually, however, she decided to work for herself. Alongside her husband, Gene Allen Beard, Sr., Norma ran an auction barn in Lawrenceville and owned and devotedly operated the Jo-Dawn Motel in Robinson over the last four decades. Regardless of the guest's class or creed, their dignity was always respected with remarkable hospitality, exemplified by their tradition of wrapping Christmas gifts for those who stayed over the holidays.

Passionate about fostering relationships, Norma loved attending and hosting garage sales. Her adventures with Gene to Mexico, where they would discover items to bring home and resell, were less about financial gain and more about the joy of meeting and interacting with people. Whether it was offering a "cheeseball wedding cake" at her granddaughter's wedding or having fun with the kids during Halloween, her sense of humor and love of people were undeniable. Her home was the epitome of warmth, especially during Christmas when her family would gather together. Anyone who visited was sure to be greeted with her fabulous cooking, be it her standout beef and noodles, lasagna, fried rice, meatloaf, or the unforgettable red velvet cake. Her homemaking talents were showcased when Gene would casually announce to others that "Cookie is fixing lunch," and she would whip up something that looked meticulously planned out. More recently, mornings at her place would be filled with the comforting aroma of coffee and freshly baked muffins, which filled her loved ones almost as much as their conversation.

It was this caring, giving nature that enabled her to extend help to others, especially those less fortunate, reflecting a heart of true selfless love. It should come as no surprise that she was a woman of faith. As a devoted member of the Flat Rock Free Methodist Church, Norma's walk with Jesus guided her through life's trials and tribulations. While we grapple with the loss of this extraordinary woman, we are comforted by the knowledge that, by the grace of God, her faith has now carried her to eternal rest. Until we are reunited in glory, may we always remember Norma Jean Beard's 92 years as a testament to the value of perseverance, the goodness of human connection, and the power of love.

Her legacy lives on through her son & daughter-in-law, Gene Allen Beard, Jr. & Denise Beard (Robinson, IL); her grandchildren & their spouses, Stacey & Josh Meadows (Palestine, IL), Christy & Mark Van Schoyck (Robinson, IL), Gene Allen Beard III & Corrine Wilson (Flat Rock, IL), and Brittany & David Stone (Robinson, IL); her great-grandchildren, Shania Meadows, Garrett Van Schoyck, Blake Meadows, Cooper Meadows, Elliott Meadows, Ava Beard, Laylani Beard, Draven Stone, Bayne Stone, Addyson O'Dell, and Dempsey O'Dell; and several nieces and nephews.

She married Gene Allen Beard, Sr., on January 9, 1951, and he preceded her in death on April 10, 2008. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Ernest & Mary Jane (Plowman) Ray; by her daughter, Judy Jean Beard, in 1951; her son, Gregory 'Buster' Alan Beard, in 1978; and by her brothers, Ernest Jr., Ed, Pete, and Billy Ray.

A time of visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 31st, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 1st, at the funeral home with Phyllis Miller officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the "Flat Rock Free Methodist Church", to be used to ship shoeboxes full of gifts to children in need this Christmas. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.