1920
2012
Cecil Derema Beecham was born November 28, 1920 in Greenwood, Arkansas to Cecil and Lola Elmore Gilliam, she passed away February 22, 2012 in The Pink Bud Care Facility at the age of 91. She was retired after 22 years with the Greenwood School cafeteria food service and enjoyed working as one of the supervisors. "MaMa" was an anchor of strength and security for her family and was surrounded by many friends and family at her passing. Derema was a member of the First Baptist Church in Greenwood for many years.
She is survived by two daughters, Darlene Grandstaff Whitham and her husband, Lloyd and Jeannie Beecham Walker all of Greenwood; a sister, DeLois Goldsmith of Greenwood; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ida and Ed Beecham of Urich, Missouri; grandchildren, Richy Grandstaff and wife, Michelle of Greenwood, Rev. T. Ray Grandstaff and wife, Stacey of Fort Smith, Scott Walker and wife, Micki, Karen Aspinwall and husband, Chris all Greenwood; great grandchildren, Kristin Grandstaff Guinn and husband, Jake of Frisco, TX, Will Grandstaff and fiancé Rusti Green of Conway, AR, Tanner, Molly, Maggy and Landry Grandstaff, Cody Smith, Maddi Worsham, Marzie Walker; great great grandchildren, Kinsey Rylan and Dax Ryder Guinn of Frisco, TX; an aunt, Dorothy Cochran of Greenwood and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, C.O. and Lola Elmore Gilliam; husband, Raymond Lee Beecham, brother, Darrell Gilliam and wife, Marie; brother-in-law, Buddy Goldsmith; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, George and Pauline Beecham, Lloyd and Eula Martin, Theo and Alta Wagoner, Luther and Beulah Pendergraph.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, February 25, 2012 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood with the Rev. Ronnie Deal and grandson, Rev. T. Ray Grandstaff officiating. Burial will follow at Dawson Cemetery in Milltown under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Viewing will be Friday from 1 – 8 p.m. at the funeral home, where the family will visit with friends from 6 – 8 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Richy Grandstaff, Scott Walker, Will Grandstaff, Christ Aspinwall, Jake Guinn, and Paul David Goldsmith. Honorary pallbearers will be Tanner Grandstaff, Cody Smith and Landry Grandstaff.
To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
Memorial contributions may be made the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), 3200 Old Greenwood Rd., Suite C, Fort Smith, AR 72903.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
March 17, 2012
Louise Hutchins
Darlene and Jeannie, sorry to hear about Miss Derema. Thinking of you and your families at this time. We thought very highly of her and Mr. Raymond over the years.
Virginia Niblett
Louise Niblett Hutchins
Reva Niblett Hutchins
February 24, 2012
jeanie sorry to hear about your mom passing away,will keep you and darlene in my prayers. charlie mccorkle
February 24, 2012
Judy Mills
Jeannine, Darlene, and families: We are so sorry that we will not be able to make the trip to Arkansas. I know you understand. We will miss Aunt Derema so much. Her and Uncle Raymond were the sweetest folks. I loved Aunt Derema's little giggle. Mom and Dad loved to meet them at Hardee's for breakfast when we would come to Greenwood. I have so many memories of them that will last forever. Uncle Raymond always had me drive his new car when I'd come down. Even as a teenager, I couldn't believe he trusted me. Thank you for having the video with the wonderful pictures. I will be sure and show them to mom and dad. We are going to have one great family reunion when we get to Heaven. The Beecham family is well represented. Love you all and know we are thinking and praying for you all.
February 24, 2012
Brian and Kay Lynn Clay
Derema was special to me and our family is so sorry for your loss. We thought very highly of her and Raymond over the years. Rebel especially thought alot of them.
February 24, 2012
Darlene and Jeannie, sorry to hear about Aunt Derema. Thinking of you and your families at this time. Still miss Mother after all these years and know it will be the same for you.
Linda(Beecham)Phillips, Keller, TX
February 23, 2012
Stephen & Kathy Williams
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more