Obituary: Martha Rhodes Beckham
Martha Rhodes Beckham, 79, of Ennis, Texas, much loved Mother, Grandmother & Sister, went to her rest on Saturday, June 19, 2010, after a valiant battle against cancer and kidney disease. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Andrew Beckham, her three sons, Michael Beckham of Austin, Texas, Richard Beckham and wife Alison of Ennis, Texas, Austin Beckham and wife, Karen, of Ennis, Texas, her sisters Frances Pearson, Inda Miller & Rosemary Painter, her brother Milton Rhodes, Jr., her six grandchildren, Nigel Beckham, Justin Beckham, Callie Beckham, Thomas Beckham, Mary Beckham and Stanton Beckham.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. M.L. Rhodes and Fannie Brown Rhodes.
Martha lost her hearing at age two after suffering a high fever. She later attended The Texas School for the Deaf where she was welcomed into the unique culture of the deaf. She participated in numerous social activities within deaf organizations and groups that included camping throughout the United States. She travelled to Mexico, the Caribbean and enjoyed a full life.
After raising three active young men, she began a 20 year working career at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland as a library archivist. Upon retirement, she and Andrew returned to Texas to be close to family where she enjoyed many years of relaxed retirement.
Martha as liked by everyone she met and loved by all who knew her.
A celebration of her life will be held at Highland Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, on Thursday, June 24th at 10:00AM. Highland Baptist Church is where her father, Rev. M.L. Rhodes pastored for many years and where she was married in 1951. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. After interment, friends and family will gather at the Church for fellowship and a meal.
The family would like to thank the staff of Charlton Methodist Hospital, in Dallas, for their support and efforts during Martha’s final days.
Flowers may be sent in care of J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis, Texas or donations made in lieu of flowers to the American Cancer Society or the Church of your choice.
Please see http://www.highlandbc.org for directions to the service and http://www.wacomemorial.com for directions to the cemetery.
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