Rebecca “Becky” Ayers Beacham passed away on September 25, 2024, at the age of 95. She was born on July 31, 1929, in Habersham County, Georgia. Becky met Jimmie “Jim” F. Beacham at Demorest College in Piedmont, Georgia, and they married in 1949. They moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where Becky worked at Vanderbilt University while Jim finished his education. After Jim’s graduation, they moved to Toccoa, Georgia, before settling permanently in Marietta, Georgia.
Becky was devoted to her children, Beth and Jimmie “Jimbo,” spending their early years as their full-time mother. During this time, she also enjoyed her work as a fashion model for Rich’s department store, and she actively served the church. When her children went to college, Becky began working at Lockheed Martin in Marietta, and it was a family affair since Becky, Jim, and Jimbo all worked at Lockheed until their retirements.
Becky and Jim joined the First Presbyterian Church of Marietta in the early 1960s, where she served as President of Women in the Church and in other service roles. Becky had many decades of involvement as a small group leader in Precept Bible Studies. She was a national speaker for the Christian Women’s Club and served as the prayer chairperson for the 1973 Billy Graham Crusade in Atlanta. In 1974, she traveled to Rome, Italy, with a delegation from the Presbyterian Church (USA) to participate in the World Food Conference. Later, Becky became a founding member of Marietta Community Church (ECO Presbyterian). Becky has an everlasting love for the Lord and often shared the gospel with those she encountered until her earthly journey concluded. In confidence, she eagerly anticipated the day when she would see her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face in heaven.
She is survived by her daughter, Beth Beacham Sullivan, and her husband, Bryce, of Nashville, Tennessee; her grandson, Jeremy Smith; granddaughter-in-law, Christina Smashey Smith; and great-granddaughter, Violet Smith, of Athens, Georgia; as well as her grandson, Joshua Smith of Mt. Hood, Oregon. Becky is also survived by her brother, Morgan Ayers, and his wife, Pauline, of Rome, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her son, Jimbo; her husband, Jim; and her sister, Algen Ayers Thurmond.
A graveside service will be held on September 30 at Harvest Christian Church Cemetery in Clarkesville, Georgia. A memorial service will be held at Marietta Community Church, 3121 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW, Marietta, Georgia, on Wednesday, October 2 at 2:00 p.m., with a visitation to precede the service at the church at 12:30 p.m.
Instead of flowers, donations to Marietta Community Church are appreciated and can be made at https://mariettacommunity.church/giving or Calvary Children’s Home https://calvarykids.org/.
An online guest book is available for the family by visiting www.hillsidememorialchapel.com.
Funeral arrangements are in the care and professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville. 706-754-6256
