Martha Henson Beard, 90, of Forest City, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026 at Fairhaven of Forest City. A native of Rutherford County, she was the daughter of the late Lemuel and Lena Belle Luckadoo Henson.

Martha was married to Edward Beard for 65 years, until his passing in 2016.  She is survived by her daughter, Elaine Metcalf of Forest City; her son, Dr. Eddie Beard (Larry Johnson) of Hickory, NC; daughter-in-law, Benita Beard; sister, Vicki Condrey (Jerry); nephews, Eric and Neil Condrey; grandchildren, Jennifer Smith (Bryan), and Holly Pruett (Adam); Taylor Beard (Alexandra), Jordan Beard, and Caleb Beard; and her great-grandchildren, Madison Smith Alexander (Blake), Jackson Smith, Landon and Zoey Pruett, and Henley Beard.

She was a former long-time member of Haynes Memorial Baptist Church and a current member of Crestview Baptist Church.

DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, SERVICES FOR MRS. BEARD HAVE BEEEN POSTPONED AND RESCHEDULED FOR 2 PM FEBRUARY 8, 2026 AT THE MT. HARMONY BAPTIST CHURCH FELLOWSHIP BUILDING officiated by her grandson, Jackson Smith. Interment will be in the Mt. Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will be available to greet friends immediately after the service in the fellowship building.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of her great-grandson, Landon Pruett, to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4600 Park Road, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28209 or to Baptist Children's Homes at 204 Idol St, Thomasville NC 27360.

Padgett & King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. An online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com.