Beryl Cecelia Buford

Born January 11, 1933 to Fredrick H. Schoen and Katharine G. Wittmann in Camden, New Jersey. Beryl left this world on May 7, 2016. She was 83 years old.  She was preceded in death by her parents and 4 Brothers: Howard Schoen, Neil Schoen and Lewis Schoen of New Jersey, David Schoen of Washington and one infant sister, Elaine Myrtle Schoen.

She is survived by 2 Brothers, Kenneth and Clair Schoen of Grass Valley, CA, and Richard and Margie of Hermiston, OR.  6 children: William and Margret Buford of Okeechobee, Florida, Glenn and Wanda Buford of Ruffin, South Carolina, Charles and Sherry Buford of Ola, AR, Katharine Buford of Ola, AR, Leda and Sam Cullum of Russellville, AR and Diane and Neil Thomlinson, of Bowie, TX.  17 Grand Children, 21 Great Grand Children, 3 Great-Great Grand Children.  33 Nieces and Nephews from coast to coast and Far Too many Bus Kids that "Jumped the Bridge" to count, at least 2 Generations of them.

The story of Beryl's life begins with her being raised as the only girl with six brothers, her father always joked he raised 7 boys only one wore dresses.  During those years, times were tough and she dropped out of high school after the 10th grade and went to work so that her brothers wouldn't have to.  Her first job was in a book bindery in New Jersey.  She wore those dresses until she got permission from her daddy to wear "trousers" only at work so she didn't have to bend and lift in a skirt.  She met our father, Jimmie Buford, and married when she was only 19 and became what a woman in that day was supposed to be, a wife and a mother.  Shortly after, she started to work as a long distance telephone operator for several years until they made the move to Arkansas.  During these years she continued to run the household and raise her children while helping run the family business, Mima's Motel and Café in Ola, Arkansas that was established by her mother-in-law Mima Buford.  After years at the Café, it became hard for two strong willed women to stir the same pot, so Beryl went to work at the Yell County Nursing home as a cook.  After the family moved for a time to Dardanelle, they returned to Ola and she went back to work at the nursing home, cooking again!  And then she made a change that effected the lives of so many, she started driving the school bus and soon was working full time at Ola High School until she retired.  She loved driving the bus every day down Old Hwy 10 and up on the ridge.  She considered all of those kids her own, and never missed a game or graduation of one of "her" kids.  She was very supportive of those kids too…. Even being "asked" to leave a high school football game for her boisterous support of one of her bus riders.  She soon gave up working at the nursing home and was employed full time with the Ola School District as janitor and bus driver.  Supporting and encouraging the students at Ola started to feel hypocritical, so at the age of 57, she obtained her GED in 1991.   All the band bus trips, pep bus trips and the Friday tradition of running the bus route backwards will forever be fond memories of every student who ever rode her bus….she loved them all.

But Beryl wasn't an all work and no play woman, she loved to bowl, and was good at it.  Winning many trophies and representing every team she was a member of well with a one time high average of 180.  She almost got her perfect game once rolling a 288, but her proudest

moment would have to be competing in the National Bowling Tournament in Reno, Nevada with her daughters on their team, Beryl's Kat-Le-Di.  She may not have won the tournament, but she received several pins and patches for her performance at the tournament.  She also loved to play Bingo and went as often as possible.  When she moved to the nursing home, she was excited because she would be able to play bingo there twice a week.

Beryl will be fondly remembered by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.  She never met a stranger and would help anyone who needed it.  She was quick to laugh, but would get you told if you deserved it.  As a woman, she led by example inspiring hard work and determination to those around her.  As a mother, she always put her family first, gave even when it hurt and loved with her whole heart.  She will be greatly missed in the community, by her extended family comprised of the nursing home staff and residents, and especially by her close friends and family.

Funeral service will be 2:00 pm Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at the Danville Cornwell Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Dennis Horn and Bro. Stacey Lisenbey officiating. Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 pm Tuesday, May 10, at the funeral home.

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home Danville. Online guestbook and condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com