Mary Gantt

Mary Elizabeth "Beckie" Gantt, 49, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, May 15, 2011, at Southeast Hospital.

She was born June 12, 1961, in Albany, Ga., to James Carlton "J.C." and Sara Elizabeth Gandy. She and David W. Gantt were married Aug. 12, 1978, in Albany.

Beckie was a member of Red Star Baptist Church. She served churches in Georgia and Missouri as Sunday school teacher and AWANA teacher. Other than her work for the Lord, she was a gifted homemaker. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. With the love and compassion she had for children, she was a mother figure to many. She was known for being a great caregiver to anyone who had a need.

When she did work outside the home, she was assistant manager at KFC, substitute teacher in Worth County Ga., and administrative assistant with First Care. She also worked for the accounting department and bursar's office at Southeast Missouri State University. She also loved barrel racing and playing softball.

Survivors include her husband, David W. Gantt of Cape Girardeau; three daughters, Donna (Nathan) Charette of Jackson, Deborah Gantt of Nashville, Ga., and Laura Gantt of Cape Girardeau; three grandchildren, David Martin Jr., Breanna Martin and Isabella Charette; two brothers, Andy Harrell of Tifton, Ga., and Ricky Harrell of Albany; three sisters, Connie Frantzreb of Atlanta, Sharlene Fleming of South Carolina and Jannie Benson of Putney, Ga.

Beckie had 16 nieces and nephews, and 14 great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Beckie was loved by so many, and will truly be missed. May we thank God for the time we had with her.

Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating.

Entombment will be in Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.