Josephine Lucille (Powell) Beer

Josephine Lucille Beer, born October 10, 1921, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, October 30, 2020.

She was the daughter of Robert Palmer Powell and Mildred Marie Palmer Powell, of Maryville, Missouri, having one brother, Robert Palmer Powell, deceased, and three sisters, Mary Christina, Sara Francis Peterson, and Gara Beatrice Walker, all of Madison, Wisconsin, and all deceased. Her husband Russell Simon Beer preceded her in death on June 11, 2002 after 61 years of marriage.

The mother of many talents, she learned at an early age from her grandmother, Mary Palmer, to knit, crochet, cook and bake. She was the light that made a house a home. She raised her daughters to carry on her legacy of all the things she loved in life, and among those most important, was her wisdom, love of faith, and what it means to be a true Proverbs 31 wife and mother.

Josephine graduated from Maryville Senior High School, attended Missouri Northwest College and graduated from Gregg Business College on scholarship and Kansas City Business College. After graduation, she met the love of her life, Russell Simon Beer. They were married on March 29, 1942, and then relocated to Mansfield, Ohio. Shortly thereafter, Russell was called to duty in the United States Army, Amphibious Battallion, first stationed at Fort Ord, California and then on to serve in the South Pacific Sea for 39 months.

She was employed by Sears & Roebuck Co.  Later, she worked at Mansfield Municipal Court leaving there to became the first female Deputy Sheriff in Richland County, Ohio. After retiring, she worked as a Red Cross volunteer at People’s Hospital.  

She is survived by her 2 daughters, Katherine Marie Shaw of Mansfield, Ohio, a retired nurse, who cared for her in hospice until her passing, and Sally Lynne Parr (Joseph) of Bellville, Ohio.  Her life was complete with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, Pastor John R. Harris (widowed), (his daughter Jade N. Harris), Evangelist Lisa R. Kegley (Pastor Dennis J. Kegley), Jason M. Parr ( Dr. Stephanie) and their daughters Alaina and Allison of Galion, Ohio and, Amy M. Canon (Jason) and their children Maverick and Madeline of Wellington, Ohio.

The family wishes to thank Dennis A. Jackson for his friendship, companionship, and compassion for 17 years.

Josephine, at age 99, lived a long, healthy and joyful life, one of successes, accolades, talents, beautiful family and many friends. Upon their retirement Josephine and Russell enjoyed frequently traveling in their motor home. We can never forget her laugh, smile and blue eyes, yet are thankful for her eternal home with Christ as she joins her forever true love, Russell Simon Beer. Her final resting place can only be imagined in our minds, but we rejoice and hope for the time we meet again.  

A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 6, 2020 at 1:00 p.m., at Mansfield Memorial Park, 2507 Park Avenue West, Ontario, Ohio 44906.  She will be interred next to her husband Russell S. Beer in The Masonic Garden.

Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, ltd., 1106 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, OH assisted the family with arrangements.

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