Irene Beard

Irene L. Beard age 97, went to be with the Lord on June 2, 2021. Irene was born December 6, 1923, in Overland Park, KS. She was predeceased by her husband William R. Beard of Stanley, Kansas. She is survived by her sons Bradley L. Beard and his wife Kelly of Kearney, Mo, William E. Beard and his wife Brenda of Olathe, KS and her daughter Cheryl I. Best of Little Rock, AR. She is also survived by her 4 Grandsons, 1 Granddaughter, 3 Great Grandsons, 1 Great Granddaughter and 3 Nephews.

After retirement Irene moved to Germantown, Tennessee for almost 20 years before moving back home to the Kansas City area in 2010.

Irene was an avid sports fan who loved the Chiefs, Royals, KU Basketball and the NBA. While living in Germantown, she became an avid Memphis Grizzlies fan and attended many home games.

Irene was employed by Unified School District 229 and worked as a librarian with her dear friend Vivian Sullivan for many years from the early 70’s into the 80’s. She also worked double duty for several years driving one of the district’s school bus routes and was often a driver or ticket taker at the Blue Valley High School sporting activities.

During and after that time she had the opportunity to touch many lives and always brought a smile to the faces of many students and teachers alike.

She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her and especially by her family. A celebration of life gathering of friends and family will be held Thursday, June 10th from Noon to 1:30 PM until time of a private graveside service, all at the Johnson County Funeral Chapel and Memorial Gardens.