Beulah "Bea" Leppert Lunsford

Mrs. Beulah Leppert Lunsford, 85, of St. Matthews, SC, passed away peacefully on Monday, the 7th day of January, 2019, at her residence, following an extended illness.

Born on July 20, 1933 in Sullivan's Island, SC, she was a daughter of the late Oscar and Dorothy Herrington Leppert. She was a graduate of Fort Moultrie High School. Following graduation, she married Charles "Gene" Barnhart, and of this union, they had two daughters. Beulah had worked for Southern Bell, as a telephone operator, with many years of service. Later, she began work as a Police Officer with Naples, Florida Police Department, where she retired with valor.

In addition to "Gene" Barnhart, Beulah was the widow of Charlie Lunsford, who referred to her affectionally as his "Sweet Pea". Charlie and Beulah lived in New Kent, Virginia, where he retired. While there, Beulah was a foster parent of many children, and made an impact on each of their lives. Later, Charlie and Beulah relocated to Mount Pleasant, SC, where they were long-time residents. Mrs. Lunsford was a faithful member of Mount Olivet Pentecostal Holiness Church in Awendaw, SC, and of the Ladies Ministry of the church.

Beulah loved the beach and walking for miles collecting sea shells. The serenity of the waves were calming to her. She also enjoyed traveling and camping. She loved being outdoors, whether in her flower beds or gardening, having canned many vegetables. She was an avid turkey hunter, and a good shot with the rifle. Among many talents, she was an accomplished pianist. One of her favorite past times was being a cherished member of the Tuesday Girls Club of St. Matthews. More important than anything, she loved spending time with her family. She was a source of strength to all who knew her and loved her. Beulah will be fondly remembered for her gentle spirit and kind heart.

She is survived by two loving daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie and Glenn Joyner of St. Matthews, SC, and Tammy and John Kennedy of Naples, Florida; a brother, Oscar "Bubba" Leppert, Jr. of Mount Pleasant, SC; six grandchildren, Glenn, Jeanie, Evan, Mary, Wesley, and Joey; sixteen great-grandchildren; and expecting a great-great-grandson in March; and nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husbands, she was predeceased by a sister, Gayle Leppert, a nephew, Wesley Leppert, and a sister-in-law, Ola Leppert.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at eleven o'clock in the morning on Saturday, the 12th day of January, 2019, in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL, 1494 Mathis Ferry Road, Mount Pleasant, with the Reverend Ronnie Jackson and Hospice Chaplain, David Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow in Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens. The family is pleased to greet friends one hour prior of the funeral service at the funeral home. Musical selections will be rendered by Soloists, Shelly Joyner Pound and Chris Nettles, and Pianist, Libby Dempsey. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Glenn Joyner, Jr., Evan Joyner, Chip Brown, Mark Leppert, Jr., Christopher Leppert, and Michael Leppert. The family requests those attending the service dress casually.

The family wishes to thank Edisto Home Care and Hospice for the compassionate care shown.