Beulah May Carter Neyland

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, in the early morning hours, the matriarch of her family, our beautiful and beloved mother, Beulah May Neyland’s assignment here on earth, was declared complete. She answered the call to enter eternal glory in Heaven. She was 81 years old. A native of Magnolia, Mississippi, in Amite County, Beulah was born, the youngest of four siblings, to the late Lesley Carter and Beulah (Mason) Carter, on October 13,1942. Beulah had to brave the complexities of life at an early age, quickly discovering that her life was no ordinary tale. You see, at the tender age of four, she lost her mother and by the age of nineteen, she had lost her father. Yet, mercy and favor followed her. Amid such loss, family, friends, and neighbors united and embraced young Beulah as they illustrated the adage: “It takes a village.” Indeed, her village lovingly cared for her and guided her in her formative years. Aside from being offered the distinction of a full ride to Grambling University, she received her primary formal education under the direction of the Amite County School System in Magnolia, Mississippi where she was an exceptional student, vocalist and versatile artist. She attended The Sherman Line Rosenwald School, from first through eighth grade. Her grandfather, Mr. Gabriel Carter, Uncle James Carter, and Albert Mason, all served as the school’s first trustees. She thereafter completed her studies at Euro-Bates High School in Liberty, Mississippi. Beulah graduated high school in 1960. Even more, Beulah was a faithful member of Sherman Missionary Baptist Church in Magnolia, Mississippi. During her upbringing, her grandparents, Gabriel and Hattie Carter ensured that she understood and embraced a relationship with our Savior, and at the tender age of 8, she was baptized. Beulah was steadily elevated by her service within the church, joining the choir and leading the congregation with praise and worship. She continued with her service until she was a young woman. While serving at Sherman Missionary Baptist Church in Magnolia, Mississippi, her vibrant spirit, infectious joy, and natural beauty captured the eyes of many suitors. However, it wasn’t until she met a young man named Milton Neyland, Jr., who was visiting Sherman Missionary Baptist church. Milton saw Beulah. Beulah saw Milton. Sparks flew. It was love at first sight. Milton kept coming back to her church every Sunday for visits. Eventually, fondness transitioned into love and the two were married on February 12, 1962. From their beautiful marriage, the couple lovingly contributed four daughters to the world. The couple moved to New Orleans and shortly thereafter began growing their family. To their beautiful union, four dynamic daughters were born: Sandra, Joyce, Tammy, and Dawn. Beulah mastered the traditions of being solely a stay-at-home mother and welcomed the challenge to enter the workforce as a working mother. Beulah traded her academic pursuits for the arduous honor and privilege of caring for her family while working for LSU Medical Center in New Orleans for over thirty years. She eventually completed her college education by earning a degree from Cameron College. Beulah always demonstrated self-determination and imparted that, among other qualities, to her daughters who were blessed enough to be gifted with the same determination and grit she displayed during her lifetime. She leveraged the support from the cohort that she shared with her sister, Bernice Nixon. Together, they took turns, every weekend caring for all the cousins – the houses were always bustling with laughter and shenanigans! Beulah began working for Greyhound Bus Company on September 3, 1963. Thereafter, she began working for The New Orleans Fairgrounds, as well as attending school where she studied clerical administration, and hosted her infamous “suppers” nearly every weekend. Her cooking was the hallmark of her warm personality. Still, Beulah was determined to seek more economic opportunities for her family. On May 11, 1976, she was hired at Louisiana State University Health Care Center, as a Computer Tape Librarian. Her co-workers esteemed her as a vital force. She was flawlessly gifted in data entry and data management. Before her retirement, Beulah worked in an even more inspired role as a “Resident Hall Mother” for the LSU medical students’ dormitory. She loved her new role and was affectionally called, “Mama Beulah” by many of the medical students, who sought out her advice, mothering nature, and yes, at times, her “colorfully worded,” no-nonsense, spirit and encouragement! Beulah retired after forty-five years of service to L.S.U., leaving an indelible mark of dedication to the organization. Beulah’s simple acts of kindness, thoughtfulness, service, and support touched many over the years. We take comfort in believing the Word of God which states, in Isaiah 35:10, that Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. We now understand, even more clearly, that the greatest healing that could have ever taken place for our dear mother, has manifested on the other side – take your well-deserved rest, Mommy. Beulah Neyland leaves to cherish her legacy found in her daughters, Sandra (Phil) Francis, Joycelyn (Charles); Tammy Neyland, and Dawn (Oakland) Adams; her only sister, Bernice Nixon; Grandchildren: Benjamin Francis, Ariel (Jade) Francis, Beverly Francis, Jonese (Jon) Jones, Ross Goines, Tirzah Howard, Caleb Goines, and Bethlehem Adams, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nieces, nephews, cousins. Beulah Neyland is survived by her four daughters: Sandra Francis, Joycelyn Neyland, Tammy Neyland, Dawn Adams, and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Neyland is preceded in death by her parents, Lesley Carter, Sr. Beulah Mason Carter, and brothers LeRoy Carter and Lesley Carter, Jr. (Uncle Pa). We are eternally grateful to God for the life and legacy of Beulah May Neyland. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Visitation on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125 from 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm. Followed by Funeral Services at 1:00 pm. Internment at Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery at 5100 Pontchartrain Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana70124. You may sign the guest book at www.rhodesfuneral.com. D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, In Charge (504) 822-7162.