Beth Neikirk Obituary

Beth passed into eternity surrounded by a loving family on May 24, 2013 after a 4 year, ten month courageous journey with brain cancer, Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM).

Beth was born October 21, 1949 in Austin, TX, the middle child to Kenneth Dale and Claire Craddock Seibert. Her father was a US Marine Corps officer and stationed many places. She met the love of her life, Jim, in Norfolk, VA. Their marriage lasted almost 42 years and their love which began 47 years ago continues long after this life ceases.

Beth graduated high school as co-valedictorian. She received a BA from Duke University in Classical Studies, graduating Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She received graduate degrees in Counselor Education and Advanced Certifications in Counseling and Teaching. She was a long-time member of the PEO Sisterhood and recently admitted to the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Her true loves were God, family and helping others. She is survived by her husband Jim, son Ken and his wife Jessica, mother Claire Younkin, sister Kay Hyde and her husband Walter, brother Frank Seibert and his wife Susan, nephews Jonathan and Jack, niece Kate and numerous cousins and extended family whom she loved and who dearly loved her.

Beth was a model Christian woman who embodied the fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness and self control (Gal. 5:22-23). The past five years were especially difficult and she lived to the fullest with exemplary grace. She probably reached as many in illness as she touched through health, and her last days were her finest. No doubt she was greeted with "Well done!"

A service in celebration of her life will be held Monday, June 3, 2013 at 11 am at The Woodlands United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider the following in her memory: The Woodlands United Methodist Church Foundation, designated for The Elizabeth Seibert Neikirk Endowment Fund, 2200 Lake Woodlands Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77380; The Lt. Col. Kenneth D. Seibert Scholarship from the United States Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, 909 N. Washington St. Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314; Duke Divinity School, PO Box 90966, Durham, NC 27708-0966; and the MD Anderson Cancer Center, search www.mdanderson.org/gifts