Elder Bernard Beckett was born June 29, 1934, on the Becketts’ Plantation on Steep Bottom Road, Estill, South Carolina. He was one of fifteen children born to the late Emory Beckett, Sr., and the late Bessie Russell Beckett. He grew up as a farmer and was taught the values of life by his parents, who were Christians.

He achieved success spiritually and economically by heeding the words, “You can do all things if you put God first in your life.” He also lived by the scriptures in the book of Deuteronomy 6 and 7, prosperity (success). He was educated at Estill Training Colored School, located three miles from his plantation.

Elder Beckett accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age, and he became a baptized member of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church. He served under the leadership of Rev. George Lawton, Rev. Benjamin Burison, and currently Rev. Dr. Joe Steve, Jr. He served faithfully in various capacities, including a life member of the Cemetery Ministry Building, Good Hope Baptist Union, Sexton, and the Deacon Union. Elder Beckett, along with his brother, the late Cornelius, helped with the construction of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

His dedication to his church and community reflected his deep faith and commitment to service. Elder Beckett was a Master Mason. He received the honor as a Life Member of Steep Bottom Masonic Lodge #300. He was a faithful member for over 60 years.

On May 7, 1951, at the age of 17, he became employed by E.I. DuPont Company, Savannah River Site, as a laborer. He eventually rose to the rank of labor foreman, then, in 1974, he began to move to other craft disciplines, like painting, concrete, and teamster. His job positions began early morning, having to leave Estill at 5:00 A.M., each morning riding two hours to the Savannah River Site. In his youthful years at SRS, he received great guidance from mentors and carpoolers on their everyday journey, just to name a few: David Primus, Oregon White, Lusicous Young, Silm Chavis, Richard Pollins, CD Singleton, Willie Sanders, Eugene Williams, Verdell Newton, Jack Deloach, and Joe Patterson, Jr. He also worked in the Transportation Logistic Department. Construction officials soon realized what a wise decision it was to hire him, and they gave him the nickname “Beck–Beck.” A nickname used by friends for over 50 years of working at the site.

During his tenure at SRS, he met and married the love of his life, the late Rubertha Wilson Beckett. Together, they raised eight children, six of whom have worked at SRS.

Elder Beckett had a passion for farming and taking care of livestock. He displayed the skills of a veterinarian, skills he learned from his late uncle Claude Russell, taking great care of all his livestock. He raised pigs, goats, chickens, hogs, and hunting dogs. He taught his animals to keep an eye on predators. Above all, he could fix his own farm equipment. These activities brought him joy and allowed him to share his love of the land with his family and community.

Besides working extremely hard to care for his family, he loved deep-sea fishing, river and pond fishing, watching Sanford and Son, Family Feud, The Chase, The Price is Right, and all of Tyler Perry’s movies and plays.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is preceded in death by (2) Daughters: Valeria McGraw and Carolyn Smalls; (1) Son: Jesse Beckett; (7) Siblings: Lillia Thompkins, Lewis Beckett, Hortence Russell, Ruth Singleton, Harrison Beckett, Althea Frances, and Emory Beckett, Jr; (1) Son - In - Law: Carl McGraw.

On Monday, September 1, 2025, Elder Beckett peacefully departed this life to be with the Lord in the comfort of his home.

He leaves to cheris an astonishing legacy, (8) Children: Rev. Dr. T. (Cathleen) Beckett; Estill, SC; Vanessa (Rev. Dr. Danny) Swilley; Columbia, SC; Craig (Georgia) Beckett; Sr.; Stanley (Cynthia) Beckett; Jacqueline (Herbert) Robinson; all of Estill, SC; Tracie (Bryant) Ham; Columbia, SC; Leon Gordon; Florida; Rudolph Housey; Estill, SC; (1) Adopted Son: Illya Odom; Estill, SC; (40) Grandchildren; (43) Great – Grandchildren; (1) Sister: Carolyn Beckett Dixon; Newark, NJ; (1) Devoted Nephew: Marion Singleton; Savannah, GA. A host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and sympathizing friends.

His life was one of faith, service, and love, and his legacy will continue through all who knew and loved him.

“A SERVICE ABOVE SELF”

Please remember to keep the Beckett family in your prayers.

You may email condolences to: mfrileysfuneralhome@yahoo.com