Jean Ann Beard

Jean Ann Beard, age 93, of Muskogee, Oklahoma passed away in the early morning hours on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. She was born July 18, 1932 in Muskogee; the beloved daughter of John Beatty and Margaret (Wyett) Fink. She grew up in Muskogee and graduated from Central High School in 1950 where she was involved in several groups and clubs, including serving as Class Secretary. Jean was a Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Oklahoma prior to her marriage to John F. Engelbrecht in 1953. He was the love of her life with whom she moved to a few different locations with while he completed his dental degree. Together they had four children, Johnny, Betsy, Tommy, and Mike. After John's dental school graduation, they moved back to Muskogee, eventually buying a home "in the country". As a dedicated wife, mother, and homemaker, Jean was known for cooking any game from the hunting adventures and still trying to maintain the household with some semblance of order. After losing John far too early, she went on to finish obtaining her teaching degree and taught at Hilldale Public Schools until retirement. She primarily taught elementary grades and had a passion for reading, punctuation, and grammar. She began welcoming grandchildren into her world and loved adding "Nana" to her list of titles and duties. As for her grandchildren, she loved every one of them bunches and bunches and bunches more. She married Charles "Charlie" Beard in December of 1991 with a grandchild clinging to her knee. Together they were members of First Baptist Church for many years and were active in their Sunday School groups. They loved to travel the world, taking cruises, seeing the sights, and always bringing back something for the grandkids. They spent much of their time together in the summers by the pool where Charlie would teach the grandkids to swim and Nana would be making sure everyone was fed with sandwiches and ice cream - and reminding them that reading by the pool was fun. Jean adored watching her family grow, celebrating their accomplishments, and encouraging their happiness at each and every turn. It was her greatest joy. Jean is survived by John B. Engelbrecht, wife Ronda, children April Smith, Chandler Engelbrecht, and Kai Engelbrecht - Muskogee, OK; Elizabeth (Betsy) Smith, husband Frank, children Sarah Tavilson and Curtis Smith - Edmond, OK; Thomas (Tom) Engelbrecht, children Kelcie Eaton, John M. Engelbrecht, and Keelie Nail - Muskogee, OK; Dr. Michael (Mike) Engelbrecht, husband Neville, children Katy Engelbrecht and Macy Engelbrecht - Tulsa, OK; great-grandchildren Beau, Calaway, Linley, Jentry, Frank, Chloe, Harris, Kennedy, Griffin, Anderson, Beckett, Kara; grand-spouses: Jacob, Savannah, Osman, Ashley, Andrew, Matt, and Dakota. Jean was predeceased by her husband Dr. John F. Engelbrecht; Charles E. Beard; daughter-in-law Darla Engelbrecht; parents John B. and Margaret Fink; sisters Joann and Margaret "Peggy"; and infant brother John B. Junior. Jean’s life will be celebrated at 10AM, Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Grace Episcopal Church with Father Omar Cisneros officiating. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery with Curtis Smith, John Engelbrecht, Chandler Engelbrecht, Andrew Eaton, Matthew Engelbrecht, Dakota Nail, and Osman Tavilson serving as pallbearers.

Jean Ann Beard

July 18, 1932 - April 15, 2026