Verl Louise Beard, affectionately known to many as “Nanny,” departed this life on May 12, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on October 6, 1943, in Gilmer, Texas, to Wesley and Ora Mae Mitchell.

During her lifetime, Verl worked for the Arlington Independent School District as a cook for over 10 years, faithfully serving students and staff. She was once married to Allen Beard, and from that union four sons were born: David Beard, Calvin Beard, Allen Beard, Jr., and Edward Beard.

After retirement, Verl continued caring for others by becoming a caregiver to many children throughout the Grand Prairie community where she resided. She also cleaned businesses and residential homes and became well known for her home baking. Her carrot cakes, pound cakes, and tea cakes were favorites among family, friends, and neighbors alike. She loved cooking Sunday dinners, spending time with friends and loved ones, worshiping the Lord, and sharing a good laugh with those around her.

Verl lived a long and meaningful life filled with faith, service, love, laughter, and unforgettable stories shared with anyone she met. To know Verl was to know warmth, honesty, humor, and unconditional love. If she loved you, she loved you deeply, and you knew it — even if she sometimes had her own unique way of showing it.

Above all, Verl devoted her life to Christ. She remained a faithful and devoted member of Sunset Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Matthew C. McGruder. Her faith carried her throughout her life, and she continued serving God faithfully until He called His servant home.

Verl was preceded in death by her parents, Wesley and Ora Mae Mitchell; her sons, Allen Beard, Jr. and David Beard; her brothers, Gilbert Mitchell and Louis Calvin Mitchell; and her sisters, Corrie Wright, Clarene Beasley, and Betty Jean Rousseau.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories by her loving sons, Calvin Beard of Lancaster, Texas, and Edward Beard of Ovilla, Texas; her beloved siblings, Loretta Verdell of Longview, Texas, Clara Williams of Fort Worth, Texas, Grayce Gibson of Longview, Texas, Dennis Mitchell of Pittsburg, Texas, and Esley Mitchell of Tyler, Texas.

She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Edward D. Beard of San Antonio, Texas; Angelina Curtis of Colleyville, Texas, and Brittany Ellis of Arlington, Texas; along with her deeply loved great-grandchildren, who will forever remember and treasure their Nanny’s love.

Verl also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, church family, dear friends, and countless others whose lives were touched by her kindness, conversations, cooking, and caregiving. Her presence, wisdom, laughter, and loving spirit will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who had the blessing of knowing her.