Frances Ray Beckley

Frances Beckley, 77, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born May 29, 1949, in Yokosuka, Japan, to Noriko and Richard Richardson. At the age of four, she moved with her family to the United States. Frances graduated from West Morgan High School and went on to attend Athens State College, where she earned a degree in accounting. While in high school and college, she participated in drama clubs, beginning an interest in theater that she would later continue as an adult through community theater. Frances's professional life centered largely around accounting and business. She worked at JCPenney, for a private CPA firm, and in the accounting departments of several companies. During this time, she was also a member of the Association of Women Business Leaders. In addition, Frances taught evening accounting courses at Albright Business College and Calhoun Community College. She enjoyed teaching and was well liked by her students, occasionally welcoming them into her home to share a meal. Over the years, Frances was involved in various faith communities. While raising her daughter, she took on active leadership roles in her church, serving as a Sunday school teacher and church lay leader. She readily gave her time and talents to the church and its community. Creativity and resourcefulness were among Frances’s greatest strengths. If someone had an idea, she could usually figure out how to make it happen. She could design it, build it, decorate it, bake it, organize it, or find another way to bring an idea to life. That creativity showed up in countless ways, from theater and church activities to school projects with her daughter and events for family and friends. She had both the imagination to see what something could become and the practical ability to make it happen. A devoted wife, Frances married David Beckley on March 18, 1995, in Decatur, Alabama. Together, they shared 31 years of marriage and built a life that took them from Alabama to Maryland and eventually Tennessee. After moving to Tennessee, she became actively involved in her neighborhood association, helping plan community gatherings and events. She was also instrumental in compiling and printing a neighborhood cookbook, bringing together recipes and contributions from neighbors throughout the community. Frances especially treasured being a grandmother to Liam, Hannah, and Nora. She loved them deeply and delighted in spoiling them. Frances is survived by her husband, David Beckley; her daughter, Laurie Campbell, and her husband, Bill; and her three grandchildren, Liam, Hannah, and Nora. She is also survived by her sister, Cindy Brown, and her husband, Mike; her brother, David Richardson, and his wife, Amy; and numerous nieces and nephews, with whom she shared many close and lasting relationships. She was preceded in death by her parents, Noriko and Richard Richardson. Frances will be remembered for the many ways she cared for others and the unmistakable energy she brought to the people and projects that mattered to her. She leaves behind family and friends who loved her and many memories of a life filled with family, service, and community. In honor of Frances's generous spirit, the family requests that those wishing to remember her make a donation to Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or a charity of their choice. Kyker Funeral Home, Sweetwater is honored to serve the Beckley Family.

Frances Ray Beckley

May 29, 1949 - September 2, 2026