With very fond memories, we sadly, but joyfully, celebrate the life of Charlsie Margaret Biard who passed away at the age of 83 on April 27th in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she had been a resident for over 30 years. Charlie Henry Biard and Gladys Rodgers Biard gave birth to their only child on November 10, 1941, in Paris Texas.
Charlsie lived the first five years of her life in Biardstown, Texas where her mother was the classroom teacher in a one room schoolhouse with a grade on each row. Charlsie’s academic career began at Miss Mattie Dancer’s Private School after the Biards moved to Paris and subsequently completed her initial schooling at Fourth Ward Elementary School and then Paris High School. Being the daughter of a teacher, Charlsie knew early that she, too, wanted to devote her life to an educational career, having visited her mother’s classrooms on many occasions. This commitment began as she achieved an Associates Degree at Paris Junior College. Seeking adventurous summer work, Charlsie and her close friend Robin Bell accepted the appointment of working in Congressman Wright Patman’s office in Washington D. C. Charlsie then achieved her Bachelor’s Degree at North Texas State University in 1963, and, subsequently, a Masters Degree at The University of New Mexico in 1973.
Charlsie began her educational career teaching 3rd grade in Lakewood, Colorado, near Denver. Her parents always encouraged her to “go do what we could not do” and Charlsie did just that. Her next adventure was to accept a 3rd grade teaching position to work for the Dept of Defense overseas Dependent Schools at Harmon Air Force Base in Stephenville, Newfoundland. After one year she transferred to Johnson Family Housing Annex in Japan where she taught 3rd and 5th grade students of military personnel during the Vietnam War. She resigned to teach in Albuquerque, New Mexico, while she completed her Master’s Degree in Education. While in Japan, Charlsie was selected to represent all Japanese Military Schools at a special conference in Okinawa to create a Pacific area report card. After 4 years in Albuquerque, Charlsie accepted a new position as 6th grade classroom teacher at Girard College in Philadelphia, Pa. It was here that she remained for 25 years, moving to the reading specialist position, followed by an appointment as Principal of the Elementary School and eventually Director of Education of all grades 1st through 12th . Girard College is a private independent boarding school, located on 46 acres in downtown Philadelphia. Charlsie was nominated as Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year in 1979. Retiring after 25 years at Girard, Charlsie was asked to accept the position of Head of School at the nation’s only public charter boarding school in Washington, D. C. Succeeding that position, Charlsie resumed her role as a reading specialist and basic classroom teacher in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she worked for another 8 years with elementary children. After 47 total years, Charlsie permanently retired to enjoy travel, her friends, and much needed rest.
Above all, Charlsie’s life was characterized by her devotion to friends, a love for travel and a love for her pet dogs. As an only child, she relished the companionship of those who enjoyed bearing the title of being Charlsie’s friend. She considered each one as family and was excited to do whatever she could to help out when needed. Charlsie’s life was graced with a 52 year relationship with her dear love, Jack, who shared Newfoundland, Japan and Philadelphia with her. She was predeceased by Jack, Joan Mendel, Jacque Jeffus Wirta, Martha Robertson and Billie Earl Flippen, all who were considered as family to her. Gretchen Hawkins, Vernetha Jones, Mary Nell Foote and Plug Clem also served as close friends with Charlsie. Seeing her through the remaining years of her life, Carole Corwin, Angela Ellis and Rebecca Hughes were considered sister-friends and provided that special care and companionship which truly benefited Charlsie’s senior years. The joy of Charlsie’s life was in making others happy, helping solve their problems and being a true friend to each one. In her senior years, she found loving friendship in a family she became close enough to regard as family. The Medina parents and their 8 children occupied a huge place in her heart and she devoted her time, care and love to them for many years.
Charlsie dearly loved Show Business. The thrill of seeing a Broadway Show, a live concert, or a routine visit to the local movie nurtured her need for entertainment. Charlsie’s mom took her via Greyhound bus once a year to the Adolphus Theatre in Dallas to see the Ice Capades, or a special movie or live presentation. This was Charlsie’s introduction to the world of show business which she embraced her entire life.
Charlsie grew up in the First Christian Church in Paris, Texas, where she sang in the choir, often in a joint trio with Jacque Jeffus Wirta and Sammie Nowell Heavener, relishing the musical teachings of Miss Jean Norman, church organist. Her beliefs were solidified in childhood and remained with her through life. Her philosophy can be seen on her graveside marker and it reads “I shall pass this way but once, therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now for I shall not pass this way again”
Charlsie’s cultural collectibles graced her homes as she paid homage to all the Asian, European and American visits and/or residences she enjoyed. Above all else, Charlsie professed a strong philosophy of educational beliefs and practices throughout her life. One profound belief was in the proven fact that TRUST is the most important quality and necessity for a
child’s success in school. If a child trusts the teacher with his life and learning, he generally succeeds. The second belief is simply “books and programs don’t teach, teachers teach”. If the teacher is committed to being with children in a school environment and is dedicated to the learning process, that teacher will flourish in this profession.
Charlsie is survived by numerous cousins and when she was able, she enjoyed holiday or summer visits with most of them during her remaining years. Those cousins are: Patti Lawrence of Longview, Kelly and Drake Frazier of Houston, Linda Hatcher Rodgers of Paris, Linda and Javin Taylor of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Mary Lou and Lyndon Holmes of Palestine, Eddie and Lee McElyea of Paris, Mike and Pam Rodgers of Newcastle, Okla and Bill and Carol Duncan of The Woodlands, Tx. Bill Duncan is her choice for overseeing and being in charge of her funeral service and is a beloved cousin on her Father’s side.
Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 23rd at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with burial following in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com
