Graveside services were held immediately following visitation on Sunday, March 24, 2024, in Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery in Grenada for Beulah Estelle Abel, 99, who passed from this life on earth on Saturday, March 16. Bro. Tim Buchanan officiated. Friends joined the family from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, for visitation at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada.
Beulah was a faithful follower of Christ, a loving aunt and friend; loved and treasured by many people. She enriched the lives of all who knew her with her generous and loving spirit. The family mourns the passing of their matriarch, historian and advisor.
Beulah was born on Nov. 24, 1924, near Elliott, the daughter of the late William Elijah Abel and the late Ayleen Pittman Abel. Following graduation from Grenada High School, she traveled by train to Washington, D.C., and worked for the Department of the Army. After World War II, she returned to Mississippi and enrolled in Millsaps College. She graduated magna cum laude four years later with a bachelor’s degree in economics, business administration and education.
After graduation, while working as an accountant for Morgan and Sparrow, CPA, Beulah earned a law degree from Belhaven School of Law. She went on to work for the law firm of Sullivan, Sullivan and Blount in Jackson for 33 years. While living in Jackson, she was a member of First Baptist Church. Beulah and her sister, Lois, returned to Duck Hill following retirement to care for their mother. She was an active member of Duck Hill Baptist Church and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
In addition to her parents, her sister, Sara Bohannan, and her brother, William Elijah Abel Jr., as well as her sister, Lois Saunders, with whom she shared their family home for 27 years, preceded Beulah in death. Beulah was not only Lois’ big sister, but her inseparable companion.
Survivors include, her nieces and nephews, Bill Bohannan (Mildred), Ellen McWhorter, Bill Abel, D’Lea Clay (Joe), Sheryl Abel Butler (Joe), Jim Saunders (Noel), Steve Saunders (Donna), Chuck Saunders (Kristy), Mark Saunders (Stephanie), Gerald Abel and 24 great nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Will Abel, Greg Breeden, James Saunders, Steven Saunders, Jon Saunders, Will Saunders, Eli Butler, Hunter Saunders and Jacob Breeden. Honorary pallbearers were Gerald Abel, Bill Abel, Marvin Abel Jr., John Laster and Johnny McCormick.
Even when Beulah’s body began to fail her, she never faltered in her faith. In her memory, the family requests that everyone who knew her perform an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone in need. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to Duck Hill Baptist Church, 303 Main St., Duck Hill, MS 38925.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
