Rita Marie Beard Martin

Published 10:27 am Monday, March 31, 2025

July 19, 1951 – March 29, 2025

NATCHEZ – Family graveside services for Rita Marie Beard Martin, 73, of Vidalia, who died on Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Vidalia, will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Natchez City Cemetery with Father Paul Kunnumpurum officiating.

Burial will follow under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Mrs. Martin was born on July 19, 1951, in Natchez, the daughter of Charles (Dutch) Beard and Ruby Christian Beard.

She graduated from Vidalia High School and attended Northwestern Louisiana University. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Mrs. Martin was preceded in death by her parents, Charles (Dutch) Beard and Ruby Christian Beard.

Survivors include her husband, Michael (Coach) Martin of Vidalia and beloved dog, Beauxdy; sister, Rosemary Simmons of Natchez; brother, Charles (Buddy) Beard and wife, Judy of Laurel, MS; nephews, Jason Simmmons and wife, Renee of Orange Beach, AL, Brian Ceniglia and wife, Morgan of Natchez; nieces, Sarah Beard of Katy, TX, and Emily Barfield of Katy, TX; five great-nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Frank Martin of Natchez; sisters-in-law, Emily Eidt and husband, Joe of Natchez, Cammie Martin of Memphis, TN, Maria Henwood and husband, Jim of Weston, FL, and Chris Foley and husband, Bill of Hattiesburg, MS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, the Animal Shelter, the Cancer Society, St. Jude, or a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.