of Conway, AR

October 22, 1929 - September 20, 2018

Mauzel Beal of Conway died on Thursday, September 20th at age 88. Mauzel was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Jim Beal, son Rev. Roger Beal, grandson Zachary Beal, brother Steve Matthews and brother-in-law Gene Beal.

Born on October 22, 1929 in Old Joe, to Joe and Willie Garner Matthews, Mauzel graduated from Calico Rock High School and from Hendrix College where she met the love of her life and future husband, Jim. Jim and Mauzel were married on August 24, 1951. Mauzel enjoyed over 50 years of service along with Jim as a United Methodist Church minister's wife across Arkansas. Being a partner in the ministry with Jim was truly her calling. Mauzel loved her family dearly and especially enjoyed being a Grandmom.

She is survived by her daughter Laura Middlekauff (Steve) and Joy Beal Meriwether (spouse of Roger) of Conway, grandchildren Dr. Wesley Beal (Courtney) of Batesville, Megan Middlekauff West (Chris) of Conway, Molly Middlekauff of New Orleans and four great grandchildren Reed Beal, Ana Beal, Jackson West and Jameson West. She is also survived by brothers Joe Matthews of Wenatchee, Washington and Rev. Ed Matthews (Pat) of Little Rock, sister Betty Jane Perryman of Pine Bluff, and sisters-in-law Betty Matthews of Pine Bluff and Martha Beal of Conway, and beloved nieces, nephews and treasured friends.

Mauzel was active in many United Methodist Church organizations and served in many volunteer roles. She served as an archivist for the North Arkansas United Methodist Conference for 21 years. She loved working with children and youth ministries, United Methodist Women, Church Women United, FolkLore Camps, local and national United Methodist archives, Disciple Bible Study, Missions Committee, Literacy Councils, Heifer Ranch, and the Conway Cancer Foundation Board. Mauzel and Jim often sang duets together and she sang in their church choirs.

A service of celebration will be held at First United Methodist Church in Conway on Friday September 28 at 1:30 p.m. A reception will be held after the service in the Fellowship Hall. A private family service of interment of ashes will be held at 11:30.

Mauzel's family is thankful for the care provided by Home Instead Caregivers and the doctors, nurses, therapists and staff at Conway Regional Hospital, Conway Regional Rehab, Heritage Rehab, and Arkansas Hospice.

Memorials may be made to the Mount Eagle Christian Center, 935 Beal Road, Clinton, AR 72031, or Hendrix College, 1600 Washington Ave., Conway, AR 72032.

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