Ermalee Irene Beckham

Irene Beckham, age 95, Hoptree Lane, Edgewater, Florida died June 19, 2025.  Irene was born on December 8, 1929, in Ormond Beach, Florida, welcomed by her parents, Everett G. McNeil, Sr. and Dorothy Futch McNeil.  She graduated from Mainland High School in 1947. Irene married in 1956 and was blessed with three children. Her family moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida in 1964. Irene worked at City Hall until she retired as City Manager in 1986.

Irene enjoyed her retirement home on the St. Johns River in Satsuma, Florida, where she and her husband hosted annual events for family and friends during their 15-year occupancy.

After 45 years of marriage, Irene became a widow in 2002. At that time, she joined her Futch cousins, Shirley, Hilda and Joyce, as travel companions to destinations around the world.

Irene was a Minorcan descendant with family dating back to Turnbull's settlement of New Smyrna in 1768.  She served as President of the Southeast Volusia Historical Society from 2005-2007 and was instrumental in the construction of the Turnbull Colony exhibit at the New Smyrna Museum of History.

She was a member and past treasurer of Edgewater Union Church.

Irene is preceded in death by her husband, Vernon "Curley" Beckham, sisters, Merle Foster and Frances "Frankie" Hatfield, and brothers, Everett McNeil, Jr. and Johnny McNeil.  Survivors include her sons, Roland (Sandra) Beckham and Chuck Beckham, daughter, Sherri (Jeffrey) Berner, grandsons, Charlie Beckham and Samuel Berner, sister, Emily (Doug) Speaker, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Memorial Service for Irene Beckham will be on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 2:00PM, Edgewater Union Church, 500 S. Ridgewood Ave. Edgewater, Florida with Pastor Tyler Peacock officiating.  A private graveside will be held at Edgewater New Smyrna Cemetery, 700 S. Ridgewood Ave., Edgewater, Florida.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Southeast Volusia Historical Society, 120 Sams Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 in memory of Irene Beckham are appreciated.