Juanita Beck

Graveside service for Juanita Odom Beck, age 89, of Simsboro, were held on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at Simsboro City Cemetery in Simsboro under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston.

Rev. Stephen Beard will officiate the service. A visitation was held on Monday, February 7, 2022, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston. Nita was born on February 12, 1932, in LaSalle Parish and died February 5, 2022, in Simsboro.

She was a preacher’s daughter and grew up singing and playing the piano in church. Later in life, she sang, acted, and modeled in Japan and California and doted on her beloved son Steve. Upon returning home she got her master’s in education and counseling at Louisiana Tech University.

Nita taught and counseled in Webster Parish schools for 25 years. After retiring, she resided in Arcadia and Simsboro. She loved spending time with her family, especially all the babies of the family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Alva Bryon Odom and Zada Ann Odom; son, Steve Ryan Berry; and brother’s, Al Odom and James Odom.

Nita is survived by her sister, Delores Williams of Coushatta; brother, Milton Odom (Faye) of Arcadia; brother, Floyd Odom (Linda) of Simsboro; sister, Glenda Reed (Norlen “Joe”) of Simsboro; numerous nieces and nephews; and numerous great-great nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Pallbearers will be Jim Adams, Barry Odom, Brian Odom, Bruce Odom, Chip Pickett, Hunter Pickett, and Johnny Worsham. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.