Statia Helen McNeese Beidleman

Published 12:36 pm Friday, April 25, 2014

Mrs. Beidleman died peacefully among family and friends on April 15, 2014, in Pensacola, FL.

She is survived by her son, William Beidleman and his wife, Robin, of Birmingham, AL; daughter, Anne Yniguez and her husband, Dennis, of Berkeley, CA; as well as grandchildren, Daniel Thompson of Richmond, VA; Pamela King and her husband Brian of Madison, and Matthew Beidleman of Birmingham, AL. She was preceded in death by her husband, Barkley and her daughter, Kathy.

Mrs. Beidleman was born on December 20, 1920 in Bassfield, MS. She graduated with honors from the University of Southern Mississippi and received a Certificate in Social Work from Louisiana State University. She served as a Red Cross Social Worker at Pratt General Hospital, Coral Gables, Florida where she met and fell in love with Dr. Barkley Beidleman.

Email newsletter signup

While Dr. Beidleman was overseas serving in Germany, she was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. She and Barkley were married in the chapel at Fort Benning on March 20, 1948.

Dr. & Mrs. Beidleman moved to Pensacola in 1952 and lived there for the rest of their lives.

Statia Beidleman devoted her life to her faith, family, and friends. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for 62 years and volunteered at various charitable organizations in Pensacola finally retiring from United Ministries at the age of 90.

She was a lifelong gardener and delighted in sharing her plants with others. Some of her trees and flowers are in bloom right now in Florida, Mississippi, and North Carolina.

Mrs. Beidleman donated her body to the University of South Alabama Medical School in Mobile, AL.

In keeping with Statia’s wishes for a simple remembrance, a private memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church at a later date. If one wishes, in place of flowers, donations may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church, 33 Gregory Street, Pensacola, FL 32502, or United Ministries, 257 East Lee Street, Pensacola, FL 32503.