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Obituary For Elder Bernard Beckett
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
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Michael Powers sent Sympathy Spray for Elder Bernard Beckett - September 04, 2025
PAMELA Y BUSBY sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Elder Bernard Beckett - September 02, 2025
Linda A Anderson sent Ocean Breeze Spray for Elder Bernard Beckett - September 02, 2025
I just heard today of Mr Bernard's passing. I am the nurse practitioner who took care of him at Harrison Peeples Health Care Center for many years. I sure loved him! He was always so nice and kind. A soft-spoken man who always had a joke for me! I will miss him but I know that he is with our Lord now. He's whole and complete and is reunited with all his loved ones who have passed before him. Thank you, his family, for allowing me to care for him for all those years! I'll be praying for peace and comfort for all of you during this time. Love to all of you!
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Extending condolences to Vanessa and the entire Beckett family. I pray that the days ahead be filled with all the beautiful memories that you have with your father. May you find comfort in knowing that he is resting in the Father's arm and that they both will be waiting patiently to see your face. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. Be encouraged, knowing you gave your all. Sending much love to the entire family.
TO: REVEREND DR. TYRONE BECKETT
Praying for you and your family to find comfort and strength in the Lord during this difficult time. May His love and presence surround you all as you mourn the loss of your father. May God's grace bring you all peace as you walk through this sorrow, knowing your father is now embraced in His eternal love. May you find rest in the Lord's loving arms. Your father's faith and service were a true inspiration, and though his light no longer shines in this world, his spirit lives on. We are lifting you and your family in prayer for peace, strength, and the comforting presence of God during this time.
NEW HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH FAMILY -- VARNVILLE, SC Reverend Keith T. Bruen, Pastor
TO: REVEREND DR. TYRONE BECKETT
Praying for you and your family to find comfort and strength in the Lord during this difficult time. May His love and presence surround you all as you mourn the loss of your father. May God's grace bring you all peace as you walk through this sorrow, knowing your father is now embraced in His eternal love. May you find rest in the Lord's loving arms. Your father's faith and service were a true inspiration, and though his light no longer shines in this world, his spirit lives on. We are lifting you and your family in prayer for peace, strength, and the comforting presence of God during this time.
NEW HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH FAMILY -- VARNVILLE, SC Reverend Keith T. Bruen, Pastor
TO: REVEREND DR. TYRONE BECKETT
Praying for you and your family to find comfort and strength in the Lord during this difficult time. May His love and presence surround you all as you mourn the loss of your father. May God's grace bring you all peace as you walk through this sorrow, knowing your father is now embraced in His eternal love. May you find rest in the Lord's loving arms. Your father's faith and service were a true inspiration, and though his light no longer shines in this world, his spirit lives on. We are lifting you and your family in prayer for peace, strength, and the comforting presence of God during this time.
NEW HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH FAMILY -- VARNVILLE, SC Reverend Keith T. Bruen, Pastor
TO: REVEREND DR. TYRONE BECKETT
Praying for you and your family to find comfort and strength in the Lord during this difficult time. May His love and presence surround you all as you mourn the loss of your father. May God's grace bring you all peace as you walk through this sorrow, knowing your father is now embraced in His eternal love. May you find rest in the Lord's loving arms. Your father's faith and service were a true inspiration, and though his light no longer shines in this world, his spirit lives on. We are lifting you and your family in prayer for peace, strength, and the comforting presence of God during this time.
NEW HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH FAMILY -- VARNVILLE, SC Reverend Keith T. Bruen, Pastor
TO: REVEREND DR. TYRONE BECKETT
Praying for you and your family to find comfort and strength in the Lord during this difficult time. May His love and presence surround you all as you mourn the loss of your father. May God's grace bring you all peace as you walk through this sorrow, knowing your father is now embraced in His eternal love. May you find rest in the Lord's loving arms. Your father's faith and service were a true inspiration, and though his light no longer shines in this world, his spirit lives on. We are lifting you and your family in prayer for peace, strength, and the comforting presence of God during this time.
NEW HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH FAMILY -- VARNVILLE, SC Reverend Keith T. Bruen, Pastor
Our sincere condolences To the Beckett family! My cousin Carl MCGraw spoke only great words of your love for him and his family. Rest in Peace for you have done all you could do for everyone. God needs you now to do the works in Heaven. Know that you are loved and never forgotten! Amen, Amen & Amen Josh and Mary McGraw Family, Estill SC
Condolences to the Beckett family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Garvin family from Newark, NJ.
To my family I offer my deepest condolences my memories of days spent in your home as a child are filled with love and togetherness he is at rest now and God will say say will say well done. With love from Corey Dorienne and David
Vanessa, You and your family are in my prayers.
My deepest sympathy to the Beckett Family. Take your rest Elder Bernard.
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY
I have been praying and thinking about your entire family, since your dad made his transition. Please accept my condolences for the entire family, you guys stay close loving each other being there for each other as you have always been. Your dad sure was good looking. 😁
We send our love and deepest condolences.My family and I are praying for your strength in Jesus name. The Gant family, Furman,SC
With our Deepest Sympathy and Prayers for the family.
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May the Lord give you all strength during this time 🩷 Grandad will be missed.
RIP Elder Brother Bernard.
Our deepest condolences to the Beckett family. Candles represent light in darkness, God's presence, & the hope of eternal life. I light this white candle in honor of Bernard's life & the great memories our families shared when we visited in Estill or Pocotaligo. Bernard was a bright light in your family, the community, and his church. May you continue to see his light in this dark time and find peace in remembering that John 11:25 promises eternal life to those, like Bernard, who believe in Christ - who is the Resurrection and the life. ~Denise 'Nisey' & Derrick Burns, Julia & Henry Wyman & family
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Sending love and condolences to Rev. Tyrone Beckett, Mrs. Kathleen Beckett and family! May you find comfort knowing you are in our thoughts and prayers!! With heartfelt sympathy, The Fields/Jenkins Family of Toy Fields Circle, Bluffton, SC
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Survera and the family. Justin and Leslie Lashley
My deepest sympathy to Pastor Beckett, Family, Friends and the entire Deep Creek Family. I am sure we all will remember him in Celebratory mode during his home going. God Bless.
Barbara Mays & The Mays Family
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My God continue to bless and keep the family strong!!
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
