Georgia Kay Beard

Georgia Kay Beard, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026, at the age of 81.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 16, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home.

Born in Dallas, Texas, on February 23, 1945, to Aliene Mitchell Pederson and A.A. Pederson, Georgia moved with her family to Waco in 1947. Waco is the community where she grew up, built her life, and left her legacy.

Georgia’s lifelong passion for education began early. After attending McLennan Community College (MCC), she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Sam Houston State University. She dedicated her career to shaping the minds and futures of countless young people.

Georgia began her professional journey in Kingwood, Texas, working for many years as a dedicated teacher before serving as an Assistant Principal at Kingwood High School. In the late 1980s, Georgia returned to the Waco area, where she continued her distinguished career in school administration. She served with distinction as both an Assistant Principal and Principal within the China Spring and Waco Independent School Districts, retiring with a reputation for strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to her students and staff.

Georgia was vibrant, full of life, and loved her friends and family fiercely. Fall was her absolute favorite season, perfectly combining the excitement of a new school year and Texas A&M football. She cherished autumn Saturdays spent attending football BBQs, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply.

Georgia was preceded in death by her parents, Aliene and A.A. Pederson; her beloved husband, Moses Frank Beard; and her sister, Shirley Walters.

She is survived by a loving family who will cherish her memory, including her brother, Otto H. Caldwell Jr. and wife Mollie; her brother, Travis Pederson; her niece, Dr. Carri Johnson and husband JP; her nephew, Otto H. Caldwell III and wife Id; her niece, Kim Zapata and husband Amador; her nephew, Carey Pederson; and her lifelong friend, Ronald Robinson. She also leaves behind many great-nieces and great-nephews whom she adored.

The family extends their deepest, special thanks to Gentle Transitions Hospice, especially to her nurse, Sharron Hammonds, for the exceptional and loving care she provided during Georgia’s final days.

The family invite you to leave a message or memory of Georgia in her “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.