Priscilla Leighty Beard

Priscilla Leighty Beard, 90, went to be with the Lord on December 23, 2024. Priscilla was born March 9, 1934, to Ryan and Mae Leighty of South Point, Ohio. Priscilla is preceded in death by her parents, Ryan and Mae Leighty; her loving husband, Tom Beard; her daughters, Annie Beard, Jan Beard Smith, and Lisa Beard Cooke; and her siblings, Don Leighty, David Leighty, Della Mae Leighty Nelson, Tom Leighty, and Sam Leighty; and many special brothers and sisters-in-law.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Gus (Jeanna) Cooke of Clear Brook, VA, Becky (Jordy) McCoy of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Bethany (Adam) Gonczy of Athens, OH as well as great grandchildren, Kacie Mendez, August Cooke, Brantley Harrison, Brooklynn Gonczy, Hayden McCoy, Bennett Cooke, Sawyer Harrison, and Kyle McCoy; her siblings, Roberta Leighty McWhorter and Patrick Leighty; sisters-in-law and traveling buddies Judy Gibson and Sally Lester, and many special nieces and nephews.

Pris graduated from South Point High School in 1952, and married her sweetheart, Tom Beard, on July 4, 1952. They soon welcomed their first daughter, Annie. While caring for Annie throughout her illness, Pris worked diligently to obtain a bachelor's degree from Marshall University in Education. She worked as a Government and History teacher and later as a Guidance Counselor for South Point High School for 32 years. During her years at South Point High School, she left her mark on many memorable and historical events. She was the Union President during the 1975 teachers' strike. She was never one to back down from a challenge and took great pride in always standing up for what was right, and especially took pride in fighting for rights of people who needed someone to fight for them. For such a kind, gentle, and beautiful woman, she was fierce when the time called for it. The strike lasted for years, during which time she worked side jobs to make ends meet, spoke at NEA conferences, and even traveled to Washington DC to negotiate rights for teachers.

Throughout her adult life, traveling was a common theme. She and her family spent their free time seeing the World. She had many favorite places and many favorite people to take along for these trips. Some of her favorite times were traveling to Marshall University football games, as she was a Season Ticket holder for years. She was proud that she had visited all 50 states, with friends and family, and created countless memories that we will all cherish for the rest of our lives.

Priscilla was a devout Christian. She rarely missed a Sunday. She volunteered her time throughout the years by teaching Sunday school classes and singing in the church choir at First United Methodist Church of Huntington, WV. She traveled to various churches and nursing homes as "The Beard Family Singers" alongside her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her favorite music was classic gospel, which she sang even in her last few days.

Although Alzheimer's disease took its toll, Priscilla never lost her abundance of love for others. She spent her last year at The Lindley Inn of Athens, Ohio, where she quickly made friends and built relationships with the staff and other residents, who became like family to her. We can't thank them enough for the respect and care that they provided to her and to our family during this journey.

Those who loved Pris will remember her standing tall with her head held high, showcasing her beautiful smile from ear to ear. They'll remember her as the first to show up, the last to leave, and the quickest to lend a helping hand or hug. She touched the lives of thousands of students, coworkers, neighbors, family, and friends. She made the World a better place for 90 years, and will live on through the stories and memories of all who loved her.

Priscilla's Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Beard Mortuary, 3001 3rd Avenue, Huntington, WV, 25702. Viewing will be 11:00-12:00 pm for family (any others who wish to attend are welcome). Closed casket visitation will be 12:00-1:00 pm, with service at 1:00 pm, led by Rev. Scott Sears.  Burial to follow at Highland Memorial Gardens in South Point, Ohio, where she will be laid to rest alongside her family. For those wishing to give donations in her honor, Donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Huntington, WV.

First United Methodist Church
1124 5th Ave, Huntington WV 25701
Tel: 1-304-522-0357
Web: https://firstunitedmethodist.com/contact-us/