Iris Glenda Beaty's Obituary
Iris Glenda Beaty Obituary
December 1, 1939 – November 2, 2024
Iris Glenda Neely Beaty was born on December 1, 1939, in Lafayette, Louisiana, to George J. Neely and Gaynell Neely. She went home to meet the Lord on November 2, 2024, at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas.
Glenda grew up in Cheneyville, Louisiana, which always held a special place in her heart. Cheneyville was a town filled with warmth and community, much like the idyllic “Mayberry R.F.D.” from television, where neighbors were truly neighbors. She attended school in Cheneyville for most of her early years, and in high school, Glenda excelled as a lettered basketball and softball player. She was voted a favorite in her school’s annual yearbook throughout her four years.
From an early age, music played an integral role in Glenda’s life. She sang her first solo, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy,” at the tender age of eight in Beulah Baptist Church in Cheneyville, Louisiana. In 1955, Glenda was selected to represent her high school in the Louisiana All-State Choir. A year later, she won a prestigious competition as song leader for the “Future Homemakers of America.”
She moved with her grandparents to Easton, Louisiana, where she completed her senior year at Pine Prairie High School. In her senior year, Glenda was voted Campus Beauty, Princess of the Homecoming Court, Editor of the school paper, and a member of the student council. She graduated in 1957 with a heart full of ambition and joy.
The summer after graduation, Glenda enrolled at Northwestern State University, where she met the love of her life, Wayne Beaty. They married on December 19, 1959, beginning a beautiful journey together. In 1960, they moved to Longview, Texas, where Wayne worked with Eastman Kodak, and Glenda found her calling as a stay-at-home mom, which she considered a blessing.
Once her sons were grown, Glenda decided to enroll in Kilgore College to finish the degree she had begun 23 years earlier. She graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a specialization in History. Glenda enjoyed her work as a substitute teacher for Longview Independent School District, where her warmth and kindness were evident to all.
For over 30 years, Glenda was a dedicated member of Trinity Baptist Church, serving the Lord by singing in the Celebration Choir, Praise Team, duets, trios, and as a soloist. Recently, Glenda and Wayne moved their membership to Woodland Hills Baptist Church. Her passion for Southern Gospel music filled her heart with joy, and she generously shared that joy with others. Glenda’s faith in God and her deep love for her family were her unwavering sources of strength. Time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, brought her boundless happiness.
Glenda is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 65 years, Wayne Beaty of Kilgore, TX; her sons, Jeff Beaty and his wife Shelley, and Kevin Beaty; her grandsons, Beau Beaty, Blake Beaty and his wife Tori, Bradley Beaty, and Harrison Beaty; her granddaughters, Amanda Cirigliano-Wade and her spouse Michaella, and Blaire Beaty; her great-grandchild, Scarlett Mae Beaty; her sister-in-law, Sandy Cook; her nephews, Bryan Cook and his wife Becky, Jason Cook, and Rodney Cook; and many dear cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father, George Neely; mother, Gaynell Whittington Cook; her brother, Ronnie Cook; her paternal and maternal grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.
a viewing will be held on Sunday, November 10, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Rader Funeral Home of Longview (1617 Judson Rd., Longview, Texas 75601). A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Woodland Hills Baptist Church (2105 E Loop 281, Longview, Texas 75605); a burial will follow at Elderville Cemetery (15760 TX-322, Longview, Texas 75603). Lunch will be provided at Woodland Hills Baptist Church immediately afterward.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Woodland Hills Baptist Church in Glenda’s honor.
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