Ophelia B. Beckem's Obituary
Ophelia Berdine Beckem, age 55 passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 25,2023, in El Paso, Texas. She was born on October 18,1968, to Anderson and Helen (Washington) Beckem Jr, in Muskegon, Michigan.
Ophelia graduated from Muskegon Heights School, class of 1986. Ophelia continued her education at Kalamazoo Valley Community College where she earned an associate degree. She dedicated numerous years to Kysor/Medallion of Spring Lake, Michigan where she was first employed.
Ophelia was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. Ophelia did two tours of duty in Afghanistan. She dedicated over 11 years to the U.S. Army before retiring in June of 2014.
She was an active member of the NAACP, an honorary club member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. She took pride in helping her fellow soldiers and volunteered every holiday to help feed the Homeless Veterans.
Ophelia enjoyed bowling, movies, traveling, and watching and attending football games. The Detroit Lions were one of her favorite teams. Above all, what Ophelia enjoyed most in life was spending time with her niece and nephews.
Ophelia was saved and baptized at an early life as a member of Greater New Liberty church under the leadership of the late, Superintendent, Willie J. Foster. She later became a member of Holy Trinity Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop Nathaniel Wells, Jr.
Ophelia is survived by seven sisters; Diane Nelson, Doris and Burneta Beckem of Muskegon, Michigan, Bernice Beckem and Arlene Beckem-Reid of Indianapolis, Indiana, Sefronia Hubbard of Southfield, Michigan and Mary Beckem of Dallas, Texas; five brothers; Elder John Beckem of Southfield, Michigan, Michael Beckem of Indianapolis, Indiana and Anderson Beckem III, Charles Beckem of Muskegon, Michigan and one special brother, Anthony Beckem of Muskegon, Michigan; one very special nephew, Gerry Lydell Robinson Jr.; and one very special friend, Robert Ellis, of Texas. Ophelia also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, great- nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends.
Ophelia was preceded in death by her parents, Anderson and Helen Beckem Jr.; two sisters, Maie Willie Gordon and Lois Beatrice Beckem; one niece, Tamara Beckem; three nephews, Hakeem Noble, Lynn Gill Jr. and Steven Beckem Sr.; and two brothers-in-law, George Hubbard and Leslie Reid.
A Homegoing will be held 12:00 PM on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Holy Trinity Church of God in Christ, 2140 Valley Street, Muskegon, Michigan 49444. A visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Church. Ophelia will be laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey Street, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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