Bula Perry Beard

Bula Perry Beard of Siler City, NC, passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at the age of 89. Born on September 29, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Daniel Levi Perry and Otelia Jenks Perry and was married to the late Alfred Perry Beard, Sr. Bula was also preceded in death by siblings, A.J. Perry, Fred Perry, Agnes Webster and Exi Fields. She is survived by her children, Alfred “Al” Beard (Jaime), and Nancy “Dinky” Neal (Charles); grandchildren, Candace Iceman (Carl), Brandi Phillips (Paul), Christopher Lineberry (Brittany), Chase Beard, Brianna Beard, and Alexander Shaw; great grandchildren, Savannah Miller (David), Matthew Farfaglia, Cameron Phillips, Liam Lineberry, Adalyn Lineberry and Jeremiah Lineberry and great-great grandchild, Makayla Miller. She is also survived by Abigail Beard, mother of Chase and Brianna, and several nieces and nephews.

Back in the early ‘50’s, Bula played women’s semi-pro basketball for Jefferson Pilot and New York Life. One of her first jobs was as an office manager for T G & Y. She also worked for many years as the manager of Shoe Show. Always a caring and giving lady, she was sometimes known to buy shoes for her financially struggling customers. Bula was a prior member at Moons Chapel Baptist Church and an active member of Hickory Mountain Baptist Church. She carried out many roles in her church community, teaching Sunday school and Bible school, leading children’s church and keeping the nursery. Bula was a wonderful cook and baked the best pecan and chocolate pies. Visitors to her home were sure to leave with one of her treasures, such as homemade grape jelly, chowchow, fruitcake or chocolate pecans. After her retirement, she loved working in her garden and preserving her vegetables.

The family would like to extend many thanks to the staff at Clapp’s Nursing Home in Pleasant Garden, NC for their loving care.

A Graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at Chatham Memorial Park, 13260 US Highway 64 West, Siler City, NC 27344 with the Reverend Jody McNeill officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be considered to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org/donate.