Sunrise: December 25th 1959
Sunset: November 2nd 2024
It is with heavy hearts that the Beard, Tate and Reffell family announce the peaceful passing of Jarvis Wilson Beard. The sad event occurred at his residence in Bowie, Maryland. The service will be held on Saturday, November 16th, 2024.
Wife: Lauretta (Reffell) Beard
Children: Christiana Cassell and Zuleema Isaac
Jarvis Wilson Beard was born in Erie, PA, on December 25, 1959, to Bertha Lee Tate Beard and the late Stanley Beard. He departed this life on November 2, 2024.
Jarvis attended East High School in Erie. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania, Behrend Campus. Jarvis mastered the art of debate and was always ready to debate any topic. He would be the center of entertainment at any social gathering. He was a master storyteller and, given the right audience, would often embellish his conversation with colorful language. His love for debate led him to explore a career in law. He was accepted into Capital University Law School in Columbus, OH. After a year of study, he discovered that debating was the only thing he liked about law school, so he decided to pursue other interests.
His love for talking served him well in several sales positions. For the last 15 years, Jarvis was employed by a contractor for the Department of Defense as an armed security personnel. He was especially proud of having achieved his “secret” clearance.
Jarvis was also a skilled handyman. He was generous with his time and money whenever there was a cause or need. He was always willing to lend a hand and put his skills and many DeWalt tools to use.
Jarvis loved life and adventure. As a young man, he enjoyed traveling across the U.S. on his motorcycle with his brother, Jerry. As he grew older, he exchanged his motorcycles for trucks. He enjoyed making modifications to his customized Ford F250, affectionately known as “The Beast.” He would often joke about being buried in it.
In 2015, Jarvis met his soulmate—Lauretta Reffell, and they were married in 2017. Everyone who knows Jarvis and Lauretta can testify that their love brought out the best in each other. Jarvis wholeheartedly embraced Lauretta’s daughters, Christiana and Zuleema, as his own. He wanted to make sure he provided for their future. He also created bonds with Lauretta’s high school classmates and the Liberian community in the DC area. However, he vowed never to embrace the African food often served in his home.
One of Jarvis’ greatest joys was to be called “Papa” by his granddaughter, Zenari. No matter how he felt physically, Zeni was always able to put a smile on his face.
Jarvis professed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and was baptized in the Seventh-Day Adventist church at a young age. He attended the Seabrook SDA Church in Lanham, Maryland. Jarvis believed in the power of prayer. As his illness progressed, he solicited the prayers of his mother and other prayer warriors. He was thankful to all who lifted him in prayer. Our prayers’ outcome may differ from what we hoped, yet we trust our Heavenly Father’s will to call Jarvis to His rest.
In addition to his father, Stanley Beard, Jarvis was preceded in death by his son, Jevon Beard; sister, Josephine Wilson; his brother, Jerry Wilson; and his grandparents, Judge Tate, Gertrude Tate, Dennis Beard, Sr., and Viola Beard. In addition to his mother, our beloved Jarvis leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Lauretta Beard; his two step-daughters, Christiana Cassell and Zuleema Isaac; his grand-daughter, Zenari; three sisters, Juanita Trusty, JoAnne (Kenneth) Henry, and Judy (Maurice) Jackson; three brothers, John Wilson, Jacinto (Karen) Beard, and Julian Beard; his goddaughter, Keshia Booker, and godson, Jevon Nicholas; his protégé, Mackenson Cadet; his mentee, Damion Bariss; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Service:
Luther Rice Baptist Church
801 University Blvd W, Silver Spring, MD 20901
Saturday, November 16th, 2024
Viewing 9am-10am, Funeral 10am-12pm
Interment
Gates of Heaven Cemetery
13801 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20906
Servicer Provided by:
Teah Funeral Services, P.A.
https://www.teahfs.com
Beard Family Block
Guestroom Rate – Standard King at $129.00 or Double Queen Beds at $129.00
*Rate does not include state and local taxes (currently at 13%)
*Rates includes breakfast for up to 2 people*
Online booking: https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/find-hotels/select-roomrate?fromRedirect=true&qSrt=sBR&qIta=99801505&icdv=99801505&qSlH=WASGM&qCiD=14&qCiMy=102024&qCoD=19&qCoMy=102024&qGrpCd=BFB&qAAR=6CBARC&qRtP=6CBARC&setPMCookies=true&qSHBrC=CP&qDest=6400%20Ivy%20Lane,%20Greenbelt,%20MD,%20US&srb_u=1&qChAge=&qRmFltr=
To call in: Reservations Department by calling 1-833-681-4979 and mention the group code BFB or group name “Beard Family Block”. Book through the hotel directly, call 301-614-8241 to reach Jamie Bahrijczuk the hotel’s Conference Services Manager.
