Lenora Jane Beardsley

Lenora Jane Fierke Beardsley, 93, died Friday, December 26, 2025, at Renaissance Senior Living in Due West, SC.

Jane was born Feb. 17, 1932, in Herrin, IL, to Miscal and Mary Fierke. She was a graduate of Southern Illinois University. Jane married Theodore Sterling Beardsley, Jr. in 1955 while he was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany, in the U.S. Army. They had been married for 57 years at his death in 2012. Jane taught at Rider College, and she worked at Fairleigh Dickinson University and at the Hispanic Society of America. Jane and Ted raised their family in Teaneck, NJ, and they retired to Charlotte Harbor, FL, where they enjoyed an active social life.

Jane's intelligence, compassion, and sense of humor were evident to all who knew her. Her wisdom and her even-handed advice were valued by so many. Her sunny personality, her ability to see the best in any situation, and her enjoyment of those around her are a model for us all.

Jane is survived by her three children, Theodore S. Beardsley III of Bakersfield, CA; Mark A. (Kathleen) Beardsley of Allen, TX; and Mary Elizabeth Beardsley (Christopher) Land of Abbeville, SC; and her brother Lewis (Connie) Fierke of Aiken, SC. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Kristine Beardsley (Erik) Hertin, and Mace Beardsley of Bakersfield, CA; Jake Beardsley and Sean Beardsley of Roanoke, VA; and Kevin Beardsley and Amber (Adriano Trejo) Beardsley of Allen, TX.

A reception to greet family and friends will be 1:00 to 2:00PM on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Renaissance Dining Room. A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Beardsley will follow the reception beginning at 2:00PM. Inurnment will be in Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, FL at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in memory of Mrs. Beardsley to the Hospice & Palliative Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave. Greenwood, SC 29646

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Beardsley family.