Relda Beatrice Mackins was born August 7, 1913 in Jellico, TN to Seab and Minnie Bennett. She was educated in Williamsburg, KY in a one room school house until she was in high school, which had two rooms. After graduation, she relocated to Detroit, MI. While in Detroit she was a member of Alpha Ki Phi Omega Sorority of Detroit. There she attended Ruby's Beauty University of Cosmetology. Her classmate, Pearl Neeley, was from Jackson, MI and they decided they would open up a Beauty Salon together. Relda met the love of her life, Henry L. Mackins, in Jackson. He was not only eligible, but he was the only man in town with a car and she was tired of walking everywhere. They were married in 1941 and had 66 wonderful years until God took him home in 2007. After welcoming their daughter Karen in 1951, she decided to open up her own Beauty Salon so she could be home with their daughter. Her salon was named Bea's Beauty Box. She retired from her salon after 30 years of operation. However, retirement did not set well with her so she started volunteering at Foote Memorial Hospital. She was there for an additional 27 years and only stopped because of her relocating to Stone Mountain, GA.
Even though she fought going to Stone Mountain her spirit was not dampened. She moved into a Senior Housing Apartment owned by the Antioch AME Church. She and her late husband united with the Antioch AME Church (Yes they joined the AME church), but they were still Baptist at heart.
While living in GA, she made history. She acquired the name "Honey Bea" because she was always swarming around apartments asking if anyone needed any assistance. She would be found in apartments cooking, cleaning, washing dishes just to mention a few of her activities.
On May 18, 2013, just 3 months before her 100th birthday she was voted "Senior Citizen of the Year". If you were to visit her apartment you would find her riding her bike daily. She rode 5 miles a day and if asked she would tell you it takes 27 minutes. You would also find her in the kitchen baking homemade rolls, pound cakes, and during the holidays she would make little round chocolate balls (you all know the one's). She joined Antioch Seniors in Actions at the age of 106 and attended meetings on a regular basis. During Covid, she could not understand why she could not go to church but see it on the television.
On her 109th Birthday Celebration at Antioch AME it was confirmed that she was the Oldest Living Person in Dekalb County, GA. She feels and believes that we are put on each to serve God by attending to the needs of others.
God, in His infinite wisdom, dispatched an angel on the afternoon of June 3, 2023 with a divine message for Relda Beatrice Mackins. The angel whispered sweetly in her ear. "You've finished your course, now come on home, & take your place in heaven's garden. Move up a little higher, claim your long white robe, & golden starry crown."
She was preceded in death by her parents, Seab and Minnie Bennett. Brother Howard and Arthur. Sister Joanna Bennett Talley. Relda's precious imprint lives on as she leaves cherished memories with her daughter Karen; granddaughter Dawn Elizabeth Griffin; grandson Maclawrence Griffin; great granddaughters Chelesa Eversole (Michael), Megan Bostick (DJ), Saphyri Sage, Raiona Green Martin (Chris), David Green, Michael Green; Niece Billie Talley-Browne (Stanley); Nephew Bobby Joe Talley (Gail); Great niece Tia Talley; Goddaughter Sharon Thomas (Montez).
Special friendsof Family, Wanda Holmes, Mildred Brown, Jean Stewart, Rebecca Long, Sallee Stovall (Bobby).
Relda also leaves to cherish her memory with many family members and friends too numerous to list.
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