Dorcas Barnard Beaver

Dorcas Beaver (Barnard) passed away in Waco, Texas, on November 29, 2024. She was 98 years old and loved telling everyone her age. Dorcas never met a stranger, well-known for tapping friends old and new by the elbow to share travel stories and family lore. She was a genealogy expert, and her ability to recall family trees at the drop of a hat was unmatched.

Dorcas was born in Mansfield, Ohio, on August 24, 1926, to Russell Dewey Barnard and Ferne Anna Hartzler. She was an only child and often wished she had a brother or sister. Her parents moved to Dayton, Ohio, when she was almost 3 years old. Her father took a pastorate at the First Brethren Church of Dayton, Ohio, where she was the preacher’s kid who got in trouble while playing in the church pews–a goofy side of her personality that was not always seen but was a joy to experience. She lived in Dayton until she graduated from Roosevelt High School on June 6, 1944, and then moved to San Diego, California, with her parents. 

 Dorcas attended Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, where she met her future husband, Harold Hartman Beaver, who she married on August 19, 1949. She knew he was the one after a year of eating lunch together and just two dates. They were married for 69 years. 

 She taught piano lessons out of her home, mostly to ensure the happiness of her three daughters, Marcia, Jan, and Susan. Harold, a geologist, taught at Baylor University in the 1950s and then took a job at Exxon. Positions in France and England allowed Dorcas, Harold, and their girls to live and travel in Europe in the 1960s. The couple loved filling their home with antiques they found at local markets but also gave their daughters at least one homemade gift each Christmas. Dorcas was a talented cook and loved to bake, and her recipe collection will continue to be treasured. She was an avid puzzler–the secret is to always start with the edges. 

 In 1976, Dorcas and Harold moved back to Waco, where Harold became chairman of the geology department at Baylor University. They faithfully served at First Baptist Church of Waco, Texas, and loved to root for the Baylor Bears! Over the years, she was a dedicated member of PEO International, Baylor Round Table, Central Texas Genealogy Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, the Waco Literary Club, and a German research group.

 Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will also remember how she was always ready with a kiss on the cheek, no matter your age. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Russell Dewey Barnard and Ferne Anna Hartzler Barnard, and her husband, Harold Hartman Beaver.

Survivors include her daughters Marcia Robbins (Tom) of Rockwall, TX, Jan Frost (Roy) of Arlington, TX, Susan Wommack (Tony) of Waco, TX; grandchildren: Laura White (Doug) of Dallas, TX, Stephen Fleischer-Ihn (Sarah) of Oakland, CA, Paul Wommack (Angela) of Waco, TX, Rusty Frost (Ashley) of Ft. Worth, TX, Beth Ann Beckmann (Todd) of Highland Village, TX, Sarah Frost of New York City, NY; great-grandchildren: Luke White, Ben White, Ty Wommack, Elise Fleischer-lhn, Wyatt Beckmann, Clayton Wommack, Silas Fleischer-lhn, Harper Beckmann, Brett Wommack, Bowen Frost.

Services will be at 1:00 p.m. on December 12, 2024, at the First Baptist Church of Waco, Texas, 500 Webster Ave, Waco, TX 76706 with Matt Snowden officiating. Visitation will precede the service from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. A family only burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

 Paul Wommack, Stephen Fleischer-Ihn, Rusty Frost, Todd Beckmann, Doug White, and Luke White will serve as pallbearers.

 Memorials may be made to Missions at First Baptist Church of Waco, Texas, 500 Webster Ave, Waco, TX 76706.

 The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.