Margaret W. Beach

Margaret W. Beach, 83, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 15, 2016. Her life and love revolved around her family, friends, and her church.

She is survived by her son, Terry Parrish & wife Donna of Jacksonville, FL; three grandsons: Shawn Parrish and Chris Parrish of Jacksonville, FL, and Kyle Parrish of Harrogate England; three great-grandchildren: Dorian Parrish, Roman Parrish, and Sasha Parrish of Jacksonville, FL; one step-son: James Beach Jr & wife Rachel, and their children Drew & Shelby of Yulee, FL; two step-daughters: Karen Butler & husband Robert of Townsend, Georgia, and Janeene Driggers of Jacksonville, FL. Margaret is also survived by one sister, Edith Stinebaugh of McIntyre, Georgia, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout Georgia and Florida.

Margaret was born on a farm in Axson, Georgia on March 10th, 1933 to Julian and Bobbie Wilson, the sixth of seven children. She was raised there until her graduation from Pearson High School in Pearson, Georgia. After high school, she married Leroy Parrish and they relocated to Jacksonville in 1957. She was employed as a bookkeeper with the Tuberculosis Association for several years and then with American Title Insurance Company for twenty years. She left American Title and became a buyer at Irvington Moore until she retired.

She married James Beach Sr. in 1982, and following her retirement from Irvington Moore, worked part-time for Security Title Insurance until the company relocated. Being the active person she was, she decided to become a greeter at Walmart to get out of the house until she became too ill to work. However, she was continually recognized and warmly greeted by her former colleagues each time she entered the store.

She attended Springfield Baptist Church for 50 years and was active in various capacities. She served on the church business committee for many years and served as her current Sunday School class coordinator until her passing. During the years that Springfield Baptist had a food bank, although in her late 70’s, she selflessly volunteered her time every week to ensure that people in need were given food in an organized and timely manner. She truly loved being a part of the Springfield Baptist family and her caring heart and gentle spirit will be truly missed by all.

Margaret particularly loved the holidays when all her family would gather together. Never focusing on herself, she received pure joy by giving to others. She received her strength and perseverance from her strong faith in Jesus Christ and the love of her family. Illness and heartache was no stranger to her, but it never slowed her down or dampened her spirit. She was the light in any room and this matriarch of our family will be missed beyond words.

She was preceded in death by her mother Bobbie Moncrief Wilson and her father Julian Wilson; husbands Leroy Parrish and James Beach; her sisters Ruth Vickers, and Eula Mae Gaskins; her brothers C. R. Wilson, Charles Wilson, and Carroll Wilson.

The family would like to specially thank Albert Lopez, M.D. and Ricky Kirby, ARNP, of Lopez and Associates; Dr. Joel Stone, Oncologist, St. Vincent’s Medical Center; and Brooks Rehab Center - all of Jacksonville, FL – for their exceptional care of Mrs. Beach throughout the years.

Please consider making a charitable contribution to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements entrusted to Hardage Giddens Funeral Home 729 S. Edgewood Ave. Jacksonville, FL, 32205, where a public visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday, December 22, from 5-7pm. This will be followed by a Funeral Service at 11am, on Friday, December 23, 2016, at Springfield Baptist Church located at 1106 North Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL, 32206, followed by a Committal Service at 12:30pm in Riverside Memorial Park located at 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205.