Patricia (Bonds) Beck

Patricia Bonds Beck went Home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Her life was a testimony of the grace of God and her hope was steadfast in His unfailing love. It is solely through the gospel of Jesus Christ that she knew the glory that awaits.

Born in Rowan County to the late Paul John Bonds and Maggie Kluttz Bonds on May 24, 1934, Pat was a life-long learner, she attended Salisbury City Schools, graduating from Boyden High School in 1952 where she was a member of the girls’ basketball team. Following graduation, she attended Salisbury Business College and at the age of 50, enrolled in computer classes at Rowan Technical Institute. The skills and knowledge she obtained through these classes enabled her to do the genealogy research that she so enjoyed doing for 40 years.

While working in many roles throughout her adult life, she was a gifted bookkeeper and loved serving in administrative positions. She retired from Swing Transport and thoroughly enjoyed her 25 years of retirement.

She was an avid record-keeper and was deeply involved in the study of genealogy. She was a charter member of the Genealogical Society of Rowan County and was named an Honorary Member several years ago. She frequently submitted research articles to the Journal of the Genealogical Society and was committed to helping others through this study. She assisted numerous people who were researching their ancestry and helped them learn more about their heritage. 

Connected to her love of genealogy was her devotion to history and literature. Pat was a Member of the Rowan Museum History Club, the Rowan County Landmark Commission, the Brown-Fisher Association, and she was part of Friends of the Library. She cherished her hometown and was honored to be part of the committee who published the Heritage Book of Rowan County.

In every season of her life, Pat felt a call to serve others. She was a member of Oakdale Baptist Church and would repeatedly tell her family of her deep bonds within the congregation. She loved her friends with Rufty Holmes and was always eager to volunteer at Nazareth Thrift Store. She will be remembered as a precious servant of her Savior and a supporter of those in her community.

She faced unfortunate health struggles over the past year and spent her final days—on this side of eternity—under Hospice care through Novant Health Rowan Regional Medical Center. Throughout her health journey, she was aided by her daughter, Sandy, and one of her nephews, Les Barrow. Both Sandy and Les played an integral role in her ability to live independently until her death. Les served as a special comforter and companion. He took her shopping, took her out to eat, helped her around the house and in her yard. Pat cherished her time with Les and shared that his assistance meant more than words could express.

While her last moments were not easy, the joy of Christ gave her an abundance of peace. One biblical passage that gave her strength was 2 Timothy 4:7-8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

She is preceded in death by her husband, James Thomas Beck (Jim), brother Kenneth Lee Bonds, and sister Shirley Bonds Barrow. She is survived by daughter, Sandy Beck Lyerly, son-in-law Robert D. Lyerly Jr., granddaughter Elizabeth Lyerly Brasher (Dale), grandsons Rob Lyerly (Webber), and Jim Lyerly, six great grandchildren, sister Judie Bonds Wooten (Ken), three nieces, and three nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Oakdale Baptist Church at 1:00 pm. Pastor Mike Lane will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oakdale Baptist Church, 200 Charles Street, Spencer NC 28159.

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