BOBBIE ANN WILLBANKS BEARD
was born April 1st, 1950, in Helena, Ark., to Oscar and
Ruth Willbanks and passed away on January 7,
2024.
Her family moved to Elaine, where she spent most of her childhood and graduated from high school. Bobbie Ann attended the University of Arkansas. Later she found success working as a manager at the M. M. Cohn in Little Rock and a campaigner for Winthrop Rockefeller’s gubernatorial campaign.
Bobbie Ann met Doug Beard in 1972 and they fell in love; they were married at Highland Methodist Church on 12th and Cedar Streets in 1975. The happy couple cherished the family life they built in Hillcrest and raised two wonderful children, Jordan and Lauren. In between family events and obligations, Bobbie Ann and Doug collaborated on designing, building, and decorating more than a dozen homes throughout Little Rock. Bobbie Ann enjoyed traveling the country with her family, especially trips to Chicago, California, and Hawaii. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren at Lake Hamilton and the annual trips to Silver Dunes in Destin, Fla. The family shares stories, laughter, and tears of joy from the many memories made during these times together.
Bobbie Ann was preceded in death by her parents; and older sister, Peggy Jo Willbanks Jordan.
She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Doug Beard; and two sisters, Ruth Helen Eddleman, Patricia Cranford; and one brother, James Elliot Willbanks (Lynn Willbanks). She is also survived by her son, Jordan L. Beard (Lara Kemp Beard); and daughter, Lauren Beard Vandiver (R. Matthew Vandiver); and her five beloved grandchildren, Anne Elliott Beard, Oscar Weldon Vandiver, Caroline Younger Beard, Byron James Vandiver, and Graham Douglas Vandiver.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 2 p.m. in the chapel at Ruebel Funeral Home. There will be a private graveside service at Oakland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome. com.