Mary Evelyn Beasley departed this life from her home in Duncan on July 29, 2026, at the age of 99, and entered into her heavenly home. Mary was born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, on August 27, 1926, to Edward John Burke and Evelyn Rosalie Castell. At only two years old, her world changed when her mother died in childbirth. Many family members came to the aid of her father to help raise her and her two brothers.

At her first job, she made $100 a month and soon earned enough to go to college. She considered math to be the “easy” courses and graduated from Tulsa University in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in engineering physics at a time when few women were in such studies.

There she met Gerald Beasley and became his wife on September 2, 1949. She then worked as a secretary to help get him through OU medical school. While living in Oklahoma City, she experienced the joy and challenge of motherhood as God blessed them with five children. Another heartbreak impacted her life when their fifth child died of spinal meningitis at the tender age of ten months.

In 1961, they moved to Duncan, Oklahoma, where she made their home a place of love, joy and security for their children, family and friends. In 1963, the family joined the Bible Baptist Church where she remained a member until her death. Mary's relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ influenced her care for others. Her sharp mind, quick wit and kind spirit made life fun and engaging. As a loving mother, her family was the joy of her life, and she was the joy of theirs.

Mary was preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Kay, and her husband, Dr. Gerald Beasley Jr. She is survived by her four other children, Gerald Beasley III and wife, Pat; Don and wife, Melanie; Betty; Robert and wife, Bea, as well as 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Viewing will be at the Carter-Smart funeral home on Friday, August 7, from 6pm to 7:30pm. The funeral will be at the Bible Baptist Church on Saturday, August 8, at 9am. Interment follows at Duncan Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Micah Beasley, Stephen Beasley, Tim Beasley, Bryan Merrit, Mark Rice and Robbie Scott.

Mary cared deeply about missionary work and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Gifts in her name may be designated for missions and sent to Bible Baptist Church at 3012 W Elk Duncan, OK 73533.