Lavern Beckham Hamilton

Lavern Beckham Hamilton passed away July 24, 2023, after a brief illness.

Lavern was born August 11, 1931, to Ralph and Lilis Beckham in Leake County, MS. She was an anointed servant and teacher of Jesus Christ. Lavern was known for her strong, unwavering faith and relationship with God. She encouraged all of those around her by sharing the Gospel and showing love to all.

Lavern was an active member of the First United Pentecostal Church of Pascagoula (The Sanctuary) for 30 years where she passionately taught the five- and six-year-old’s Sunday School class. This was some of her fondest memories during her life of ministry. She also served as the Ladies Auxiliary Leader at her church in Pascagoula for several years. Lavern was also associated with and served at the United Pentecostal Church of Gautier (Turning Point). All of these years of servanthood prepared her for her next season of ministry which was serving as a pastor’s wife for over 20 years at the First United Pentecostal Church of Mountain View, Arkansas. After retirement, Lavern moved back home to the Mississippi Gulf Coast becoming a member and giver of The First Apostolic Church of Escatawpa, MS.

When Lavern experienced the loss of her mobility, she moved to River Chase Village in Gautier, MS, where she continued to teach and minister to others. She taught Bible studies three times a week, as God continued to anoint her to share His light with others. She was compassionate to the residents and staff alike at her new home and encouraged everyone to hold to God’s unchanging hand. Lavern quickly got involved at her new place of residence and was given a position of leadership where she would attend business meetings and help make decisions in the best interests of the residents at River Chase Village.

At the end of her journey, Lavern remained clear of mind, her faith never wavered, and her spirit never wearied from ministering to others. Ninety-one years had taught her that wherever you are planted, there is a mission field waiting to be harvested.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Hamilton, her daughter, Donna Pope; siblings, Opal Matthews, Loyce Beckham, Herman D. Beckham, Mar Jo Ivey, and Ross Beckham.

She is survived by her faithful son-in-law, Rayford Pope of Pascagoula, MS; granddaughter Tanya Burgess and her husband Jacob; three great-grandchildren that she adored, Caleb, Kylan and Caibree Burgess; siblings, Thellis Johnson, Fred Beckham (Janette), Glenn Beckham and a host of other friends and extended family.

The visitation will be held at The Sanctuary 1305 Ingalls Ave, Pascagoula, MS, on Saturday July 29, 2023, from 1:00-3:00 pm. The Funeral Service will follow at 3:00 pm with Bro Dalton Ballinger, Bro Rodney Livingston, and Bro Derrick Killingsworth officiating.  Serving as pallbearers will be Caleb Burgess, Kylan Burgess, Gary Matthews, Boyd Beckham, Danny Beckham, Lanny Beckham, Rickey Beckham, Ricky Beckham, and David Beckham. Honorary pallbearers will be Danny Mouchett and Steve Amason. Burial will be at Jackson County Memorial Park on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. Condolences may be expressed online at www.obryantokeefe.com.

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