More than 1,000 friends and family paid tribute to Beatrice Ryan, who passed away on April 9. Her services were held at the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church on Arlington Avenue. She was 79.
Born in Shuqualak, Ms. on September 22, 1930, Beatrice was the eldest girl among eight children born to Albert and Ella Haynes of Blytheville, Ark. In 1946, she met and married husband Tommie Ryan, a farmer and general contractor. In 1953, they moved to St. Louis and became the first black homeowners on the 5300 block of Theodosia Ave.
While she never worked outside her home, Ryan taught her children to work hard and serve others. She believed in youth and the power to learn, change and grow. She taught this to her children Tommie Ryan, Jr., Peggy Ryan, Barbara Ryan-Deberry, Rosemary Ryan-Allen, Victoria Ryan-Bailey and Myrtle Ryan, of Atlanta, Ga.
A lively person, Ryan was active in her home and community. She cooked food, took up collections and worked tirelessly for those in need. In the Federation of Block Units, she mobilized the Patton and Theodosia Avenue Unit to close their entrance from Union Blvd to protect children from busy traffic. They also took children on trips to TV shows like Corky the Clown, S.S. Popeye, and the St. Louis Hop. Ryan was also active in the Arlington Elementary and Soldan High School PTAs. In the sixties, Ryan was a proud member of the original group called Citizens To Elect Bill Clay Committeeman. In 1990, she worked with the STLPD North Patrol Public Affairs Unit until her health failed.
As her own children grew, Ryan became a caregiver and gave hope to working mothers. Over the years, she cared for nearly 25 children, including Corey Ivy, #35 cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens.
Among the many tributes read were remarks from Mayor Francis Slay, KMOV-TV anchor and Arkansas native Vickie Newton, syndicated columnist George Curry, Deborah Holmes of KSTL-AM, and many relatives, neighbors and friends.
During his eulogy, Pastor Robert Reynolds said, “When I came to New Salem Church, Mother Ryan was first to come up to me and offer her help.” A faithful steward, she brought many souls to Christ. She was president of the Pastors Aid Committee and Mother’s Board, active in the Women’s Choir, Mission Society, and the church basketball team.
Ryan believed in love and forgiveness. She gave tough love to several addicted grandchildren and saw them sober, clean and productive. She doted over 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Ryan was also a mother and grandmother to many youth in need.
One young man said that Ryan was like a Grandma to him. He told the crowd, we should follow her example and ask “What would Grandma do?”Like all good mothers, Ryan didn’t die, but flew away to a heavenly reward. She is sorely missed by all.