Beverly Louise Beard, 72, of Springfield, passed away on Monday, April 25, 2016 at her residence.

Beverly was born on July 19, 1943 in Jacksonville the daughter of Robert L. and Hazel Sunderland Beard.

She was a homemaker and a volunteer at Memorial Medical Center.  She was a board member for Springfield College of Illinois and Springfield Mass Transit District.  She was an advocate for the Rights of the Disabled and a polling judge.  She enjoyed knitting and made baby hats for the hospitals.

She is survived by daughters, Michelle Beard of Arcadia, FL and Jackie Beard of Springfield; son, Kevin Beard of Springfield; stepson, Billy Resinger of Springfield; brother, Benjamin Beard of Springfield; sisters, Roberta Nix of Belleville and Victoria Beard of Springfield; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Per Beverly's wish her body is being donated to science.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family of Beverly Beard c/o Kevin Beard, 1709 Fairfield Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702.