1929-2026
Mary Christine Beckham, 96, went to be with the Lord on January 30, 2026, while residing at Johnson County Health and Rehab in Clarksville, Arkansas.
She was born February 8, 1929, in Philadelphia, Mississippi, to Earl and Julie Mae Wilson Gray.
She was educated and raised in Neshoba County and moved to Pine Bluff in 1958.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul M. Beckham, whom she married on October 11, 1947, in Philadelphia, Mississippi; her parents; a granddaughter, Casey Beckham Hardin; four sisters and a brother.
She had worked in the cafeteria for the Dollarway School District for 10 years.
Mary was a member of Russellville Missionary Baptist Church.
Survivors include her daughters, Carolyn Helvey (Richard) of Knoxville, Arkansas, Betty J. Howard (David) of Knoxville; a son, Derwood G. Beckham (Leigha) of Benton; six grandchildren, Andrea Myane (Lee), Amanda Bruce (David), Morgan E. Finn (Tracy), Angela Ritchie (Cody), Allen Funderburk (Olivia), Patrick Funderburk (Samantha); a grandson in law, Ryan Hardin; fourteen great-grandchildren; and a brother, Roy Gray of Robertsdale, Alabama.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 5, 2026, 10 to 11 a.m. at Ralph Robinson & Son Chapel with the funeral service starting at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Dwight Wilson officiating.
Graveside will be private.
Memorials may be made to Russellville Missionary Baptist Church, 210 John Trusty Lane, Russellville, AR 72801 or to the donor’s favorite charity.
