Beatrice Naomi Juanita Hiers, affectionately known as "Bessie" by family and "Bea" by her close friends, was born to the late Mr. and Mrs. William Foster and Isabelle Dorsey Hiers, on February 26, 1958 in Washington, DC. At a young age, Beatrice accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and demonstrated her Love for Christ in how she lived, loved and served others. Beatrice transitioned from this life on July 30, 2018 and celebrating Bea's life are her daughter, Ebony April Baylor; son, Zachary Hiers; grandsons, Austin and Zacarri Walker; granddaughter, Laila King; sister, Betty Jean Hiers; nephew, Isaiah Hansford; niece, Brea Hansford; and cousin/brother, Alvin (Dana) Walker and she will be celebrated by a host of beloved cousins and cherished friends.​

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Beatrice was raised in Seat Pleasant, Maryland and in 1975 she completed her education with the Cedar Program. She entered the workforce in 1976 as a civil servant with Social Services in Fairmont Heights, Maryland. On October 30, 1979, Beatrice charted a new path in the Federal Government as a Clerk with the General Services Administration (GSA) and ended her 39 year career with GSA as a Supply Systems Analyst. During her years of service at GSA, Bea participated in organizations such as Blacks In Government (BIG) and Federally Employed Women (FEW) and served as a union representative for the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE).​

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​While at GSA, Bea developed lifelong friendships and was quick to share kind words or offer encouragement to those she met along the way. Bea was fiercely loyal and once she called you a friend, you were friends for life. Beatrice had a caring and sensitive heart and a humanitarian spirit. She was always willing to help others in need. Along with a few of her colleagues, Beatrice began a philanthropic project referred to as the Christmas Angels where they gave Christmas blessings to families that would have gone without otherwise.​

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Saying that Bea was an avid music lover is an understatement. She took great comfort and sometimes refuge in the words and melodies. You were greeted in her home by 70's soul, R&B, jazz, funk and would see her in the office with her headphones on. But she really enjoyed going to shows and seeing the artists live. Bea could create the perfect playlist for any occasion and felt that her calling in life could have easily been a song producer, recording artist, or DJ.​

​Spending time with her family and friends brought Bea great joy, especially around the holidays. She delighted in preparing elaborate meals (Thanksgivings at Bea's were not to be missed), decorating for Christmas and giving thoughtful gifts. Bea loved to travel to anywhere there was sun and sand and developed a fondness for the sights and sounds (and of course the food) of "Nawlins."

​Always the fashionista, Bea was admired for her keen sense of fashion. She was extremely creative and took great pleasure in decorating, making silk floral arrangements and creating outdoor living spaces. On the weekends you would find Bea with her hands in the dirt or lounging in her backyard, all the while listening to music.​

​Beatrice had a kind and warm heart and a giving spirit. As the matriarch of her family, she lovingly extended her home and support to anyone in need. Bea cherished her friendships, so she founded and hosted a social club called The Tea Party, a name given by her grandson Austin who simply saw old ladies gathering for a tea party. The ladies would gather for great conversation, food and fellowship while enjoying the "tea."​

​​​After her diagnosis of breast cancer, Beatrice drew the inspiration to fight for her life from Austin (aka Wuddie) who always had a special place in her heart since he has battled his own illness without complaint. Bea had a great sense of humor which her grandson Zacarri inherited along with her compassion for others. Bea's granddaughter, Laila, has her spunky personality. Zack has her friendly and sunny disposition and Ebony has her looks, including that beautiful smile. Although she did not give birth to Aaron Walker, Darnell Baylor, Jr. or Robert Gregory, she loved them as she did her own children.​

​Beatrice's kindheartedness will be sorely missed, but she will be forever in our hearts.

Viewing Sunday, August 26, 2018 at 1:00 p.m., until time of Service, 3:00 p.m., in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A.