Franklin - Rebecca DeJarnette Beale passed away suddenly on Wednesday, August 8, 2012. She was born in Halifax County, Virginia to the late Laban and Mattie Rudder DeJarnette on November 7, 1930. Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Walter (Billy) Beale. She is also survived by three children, a son, Mike Beale and wife Shirley of Smithfield, two daughters, Kathy Beale of Charlottesville and Patricia Beale Milteer and husband Paul of Murrells Inlet, SC, and a grandson, Thomas Milteer of Washington, DC and a step grandson, Ryan Milteer and his wife Melissa and their two sons Jackson and Seth. Other survivors include a sister, June D. Foster and husband Sidney of Brookneal, VA, a sister-in-law, Anne DeJarnette of Lynchburg, VA, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Malcolm DeJarnette, and two sisters Mildred D. Green and Louise D. Palmer. She was a graduate of Madison College (now JMU) and a former director of the Walter Cecil Rawls Library and Museum.
She also volunteered as a Pink Lady at Southampton Memorial Hospital. She was a longtime member of Sycamore Baptist Church where she helped with the establishment of the library and served as the first Librarian. She also served as the church Financial Secretary for twenty-seven years and was member of the Fidelis Sunday School Class. She worked as a Southampton County Officer of Elections for more than thirty years. Visitation will be Saturday, August 11, 2012 at Wright Funeral Home in Franklin from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Sunday, August 12, 2012 at the funeral home at 2:00 p.m. Graveside service will follow at Poplar Spring Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sycamore Baptist Church Gift and Memorial Fund or a charity of your choice. www.wrightfuneralhome.org.