Geneva Beck

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Geneva Calvin Beck passed away Jan. 19, 2017, in Springfield, Mo. She lived 101 years and six months.

Geneva was born July 26, 1915 in Sikeston, Mo., to her parents Pearl and Guy Calvin. She graduated from Matthews, Mo., High School and then attended Central Missouri State University and also Southeast Missouri State University. She began her teaching career in a two-room schoolhouse (Fairview) near Sikeston.

In 1934, she married Lenzie Beck. That marriage lasted 62 years until Lenzie passed away in 1996. They had one daughter, Sondra.

Geneva was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sikeston. She had many interests and activities. She taught Sunday School, worked in Vacation Bible School, served as president of The Sikeston Federated Garden Club, served on the Sikeston Park Board, was an election judge, was a volunteer at the local hospital, and led a Bible study for residents of a nursing home in Matthews, Mo. Geneva was involved in local politics as both her brother and father were county judges of New Madrid County and her husband, Lenzie, was a field representative for U.S. Congressman Bill Burleson. Geneva faced life and death with dignity and courage. But always, her main devotion was to Lenzie and Sondra.

Geneva was preceded in death by her husband, Lenzie; her parents, Pearl and Guy Calvin; two brothers, R. L. Calvin and John H. Calvin, and his son, John H. Calvin Jr.

She is survived by her daughter, Sondra Long, and her husband, Dr. Jerry Long; granddaughter, Erin Long Sanders, and her husband, Dr. Nicholas Sanders; and their triplets, Calvin Nicholas, Sophia Simone, and Isabella Alexandra Sanders; and cousins, Byron Caldwell and Margie Thompson.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Sheri Bethmann and staff at Mercy Villa for their compassionate care. Also the wonderful nursing students and others who provided loving care in the last few years.

Visitation will be Monday, Jan. 23, 2017, at the First Baptist Church of Sikeston from 12 to 1 p.m. immediately followed by a graveside service at the Sikeston City Cemetery. Gorman-Scharpf and Nunnelee Funeral Homes in Springfield and Sikeston are jointly handling arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at gormanscharpf@att.net.

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Memorial contributions may be made to:

the charity of your choice or

The First Baptist Church of Sikeston,

1101 N. Main, Sikeston, MO 63801,

or The Springfield Catholic Schools, 2340 S. Eastgate Ave., Springfield, MO 65809.

Paid obituary