On September 30, 2024, one of God’s most faithful servants slipped quietly from her earthly life on her way to her Heavenly home. Lettie Beatrice Casey, known to her family and friends as “Bea,” lived in Telford, Tennessee.
She was born on December 2,1953, and was a mother, a grandmother and a great-grandmother.
She was also a much beloved family member and a treasured friend to all who knew her.
Bea was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Dolly O’Quinn. She was born and grew up in Haysi, in Dickenson County, Virginia, and she often spoke fondly of her former home. She raised her two oldest children there, Charlie Owens of Limestone and Alicia Owens, also of Limestone, both of whom survive her.
On October 26, 2004, she married William Casey, who also remains to cherish her memory. The two have one daughter, Ashley Casey.
Bea worked at a number of jobs in Haysi, Virginia and the surrounding area including the Coalfield Progress where she spent over 15 years in the advertising business. When she moved from Virginia to Tennessee, Bea brought that experience to Jonesborough when she became the longtime advertising director for the local newspaper, the Herald & Tribune. Bea was a well-known face, especially in the downtown community, as she served dozens of companies and businesses who placed their trust in her advertising expertise. A true team member and leader of the newspaper’s staff, she was always the encourager, the comforter and the cheerleader for all who were fortunate enough to work with her. Her wisdom, talent and determination helped grow the small weekly newspaper into an award-winning publication that at one time reached every household in the town of Jonesborough.
Beyond her personal and work life, Bea should always be remembered for her walk in faith. She believed with all her heart and soul in her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. It was her faith that strengthened her throughout all of her life’s trials and tribulations. It was her faith that she shared freely and unashamedly with those she instinctively knew needed it most. And it was her strong and abiding faith that gave her comfort and peace as she anticipated her Heavenly Homecoming.
In addition to her parents, Bea was preceded in death by her stepson, Mark Casey, and a brother, Jeff O’Quinn.
Those left to cherish her memory, in addition to her husband and three children, are three sisters, Debbie (Warren) Puckett of Clinchco, Virginia; Diane (Mike) Puckett and Mona (Donald) Duncan, all of Birchleaf, Virginia; three brothers Rocky (Linda) O’Quinn, Haysi, Virginia; Dennis (Regina) O’Quinn, and Scotty (Traci) O’Quinn of Birchleaf, Virginia; a sister-in-law, Allison O’Quinn of Haysi, Virginia; granddaughters Chloe Casey and Courtney Church; three great-grandchildren, Baylon, Brintley and Barrett Church, and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM, Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be conducted 3:00 PM, Friday, October 4, 2024, at Bumpass Cove Cemetery.
Her nephews will serve as pallbearers.
So sorry to hear of Bee's passing. It wasn't long ago that I herd she was ill. May the Lord of all mercy bless and keep this broken hearted family. Ronald
Strong. Compassionate. And so wise. I had the privilege of working with Bea for many years. She was our safe harbor whenever any of us were struggling and a fierce champion for all she loved. Bea was an amazing artist, helping to teach my girls the first steps to creating the beautiful quilts she specialized in. She was a consummate professional, always making sure her advertising customers received the best of the best. And she was instrumental in helping a little Northeast Tennessee newspaper thrive while she was at its advertising helm.
But more than all of that, Bea was first and always a child of God, whose faith often lifted me to loftier heights. And that faith never, ever wavered. We are all going to miss you on this earth, Bea. But I have no doubts where you are right now.
Bea’s life will be honored and remembered for a generation but her faith will reward her for eternity!!! Well loved life!!!
