Merrie Meadows Beckham

Merrie Meadows Beckham, A.B.C. ’95, passed away on Sept. 5, 2024, in Dallas surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Oakland, California, on Feb. 18, 1928, to Charles Washington and Frances Lowell Meadows. 

Beckham graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1950, and was elected permanent class secretary. After graduation, she went to work for Standard Oil in San Francisco. Beckham met and married Baylor grad and U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Sparkey Beckham, B.B.A. ’49, while he was stationed in California at Travis Air Force Base.

The couple and their children eventually settled in Dallas, where they began their remarkable legacy of service to the community. Joining Park Cities Baptist Church, Beckham was instrumental in launching the first Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS, now known as MOMCO) group in North Texas. In 2000, she was honored by MOPS International as Mentor of the Year at their national convention in Orlando, Florida.

Beckham also served in the NearlyWeds ministry at Park Cities Baptist Church. Providing wise counsel for more than thirty years, she encouraged loving in-law relationships. 

Beckham was honored by Baylor President Abner McCall as the first Alumni by Choice Award recipient and became the keynote speaker for the next 35 years at the annual event. She was awarded Baylor’s W.R. White Meritorious Service Award and the Baylor Women’s Council Woman of Distinction Award. In 2020, Merrie and Sparkey were awarded the Russell Perry Free Enterprise Award by Dallas Baptist University in honor of their spirit of generosity and service to the community.

Beckham adored her Sparkey, and they were married for more than 70 years while enjoying their large family that all lived within minutes of their home. One young grandson described her house as “a room full of love.” Beckham’s God-given gifts were many, especially hospitality. Everyone was welcome at her home, where something was always cooking and the table was always set for a crowd. She loved people and her generosity was legendary. Beckham took joy in having just the right gift for whoever stopped by. God gave her the wisdom and discernment to minister to hearts that were hurting. She always saw the best in others and knew when and how to encourage others. Beckham’s legacy to her family is love.