OBITUARY

for

BEATRICE  ELIZABETH  McCLEARY

Beatrice Elizabeth McCleary, current residence in Virginia Beach, Va., passed away peacefully at her home on August 12, 2020.   Beatrice was born on September 12, 1950 in Wyatt, Missouri as the first-born child of parents, Edward Earl McCleary and Marilyn Lee Bankhead McCleary. She was instrumental in helping to raise some of her younger siblings. She was looked upon as the "big sister" to her family back home and in Virginia Beach.  She was known as "Squeaky" among family and friends.  Bea came to Virginia in 1968, after graduating from high school, and lived with her Aunt, Mrs. Lelia V. Wade (Aunt LV) and family.  Bea's introduction to the neighborhood at that time was by completely knocking out one of the neighborhood boys in a friendly game of football.

Bea is pre-deceased by parents, Edward Earl McCleary and Marilyn Lee Bankhead McCleary. Also, pre-deceased by two brothers, Lawrence McCleary, and Alonzo McCleary.

Bea is survived by her two daughters, Vivian M. McCleary and Deirdre' A. Lanham (Granddaughter, Aleeya T. Lanham) of Virginia Beach, Va.   Her surviving siblings are brothers : Hubert "Doug" McCleary (Cecelia) of Fort Hood, Texas; John T. McCleary (Karen) of Spotsylvania, VA; Willis O. MCCleary and Todd W. McCleary of San Francisco, CA.; Titus M. McCleary (LaBranda) of Douglasville, Georgia; Malik Asur "Bobby Jo McCleary" of Washington, DC. Sisters : Jarris Kent (Jamie) of Jackson, Tenn.; Rene'e June (Ned) of South Carolina; Beverly A. Browlee of Paducah, Ky.; Darnette "Missy" McCleary of St. Louis, Mo. Aunts: Mrs. Lelia V. Wade of Va. Beach, Va and Ms. Francis Benford of Warren, Ohio. Uncle :  Hubert Douglas Bankhead of St. Louis, MO. Along with a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends.

Bea was "Bea" and if you knew her you would say with a smile "yes, that's Bea".   Bea was skilled in many ways.  She was a trained Sous chef locally and Licensed Practical Nurse.  Her lifeline work was being a dedicated faithful Jehovah's Witness for 35 years.  Bea spent countless time studying and deeply researching the Bible.  She rarely deviated from her set study schedule.  Bea loved theocratic information and her ministry.  She viewed every video, movie, talk, article, news reports, songs and more that is on the JW.Org. website until she was unable to do so. She took her vowed commission to preach and teach the good news of God's Kingdom very serious without wavering.  When it came to preaching, she did not hesitate to seize the opportunity to share a Bible thought with all she could; many times creating opportunities to have meaningful conversations and sharing her precious hope as outlined in the Bible.  Thanks to her strong conviction, serving Jehovah God Almighty with His Son Jesus Christ as leader was her priority in life (her lifestyle).  Bea had the opportunity to travel abroad to attend the International Conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses held in Budapest, Hungary and in Moscow, Russia.  She also served where the "need is great" at various times throughout the years.  She enjoyed all avenues of the ministry, door-to-door, Letter writing, Cart witnessing, conducting Bible studies, and more.

Beatrice Elizbeth McCleary was always excited to read and learn something new and was amazing with her wealth of knowledge, even outside of Bible knowledge. It would be mind boggling, jaw-dropping to hear her recount history with specifics or detailed information about a subject.  She had a real photographic memory.  She had the ability to speak various languages and you would never know it until you were with her and she conversed with someone who spoke that language.  Bea knew no strangers.  Her "Yes" meant "Yes" and her "No" was adamantly "NO".

Bea loved to dance and cook.  She was known as a "walker". She would walk for miles to get to where she needed to go.  Sometimes it was over 5 miles one way.   She never asked for much nor complained about much.  She'd simply say "Oh well, Forward We go" or "It's Adam's fault".

Beatrice Elizabeth McCleary will be deeply missed.  She was truly loved by many and she loved many as well; especially her daughters and granddaughter.

The McCleary Family would like to thank everyone for your kind words of encouragement, phone calls, cards, acts of kindness and support.

Special thanks to Cousin, Brenda Carol Ingram for her support during "Squeaky's" time of need and her Sister Missy who traveled often to support her during her illness.

Thank you to the French Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses and her Friends for their love and support of Bea.

Special thanks go to Amedisys Hospice Services for their service in behalf of Beatrice McCleary.  We appreciate your kindness and all you have done in her behalf.

We also would like to express our sincere appreciation to PG Thomasson Funeral Home for their compassionate care during this time.

Vivian M McCleary

My Mom

My one and only! You were different. You had respect and much love. I'm going to miss you calling me "Sunshine" or "Vivian Marie", your beautiful handwriting, and the turkey wings cooked in the cast iron pot! I'm so glad I was there when you took your final breaths, like I told you, "You can rest. It's going to be okay".

Love, Your Sunshine

Daughter, Deidre' A. Lanham and Granddaughter, Aleeya

Tea and lemon

Violets and lavender

Striped mints

Aloe for the cuts and burns

Blues in so many hues

Cast iron pans with seasonings

Spiders being cared for because they have a purpose

So many books for knowledge

Speaking in different languages

"La pensée de la mort nous trompe ; car elle nous fait oublier de vivre."