Trudi Doreen Beard was born in Norfolk, Virginia on November 25, 1956,
to the late Frank Poole and Gertrude Elizabeth Bailey. In 1962, Trudy, her
sister Brenda and parents, Mr. & Mrs. Napoleon “Pole” Wilson Jr. moved
to Santa Maria, California. As a teenager, Trudy was a majorette at Oxnard
High School, where she graduated from in 1975. After high school she
attended The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles.
In her early forties, Trudy obtained her Associate of Arts Degree with honors from Oxnard College. Shortly thereafter, she pursued a Bachelors’ Degree in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. In addition to being a loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend, Trudy was a fiercely proud single parent of Tremaine Jones and Terey Sabrina Perry Copeland.
As a member of the international social organization, The Red Hat Society,
Trudy found a sisterhood of like-minded women and flourished in that
comradery and friendship. Trudy was a naturally talented person and love to read poetry, paint, throw pottery, sew, interior design, macramé and most recently croqueting and quilting.
Trudy loved the Lord; sharing her faith in Him with all those around her. Throughout her life, she wrote an honest memoir of her experiences and wisdoms, which will be cherished by her loved ones for all time. Trudy created a home full of love good food, laughter and unforgettable memories. Her lively presence will always be remembered. On December 20, 2019, Trudy married the love of her life, Samuel “Winky” Beard Jr.
Trudy was preceded in death by Napoleon “Pole” Wilson Jr., dad; Montrae Wilson & Derek Wilson, brothers; Michelle Beard, daughter; Frank Poole, father; Harold A. Shephard, brother-in-law.
Trudy is survived by her husband, Samuel “Winky” Beard Jr; Son, Tremaine S. Jones; Daughters, Terey Sabrina Perry Copeland, Myisha & Autum Beard; Grandaughters, Lovi Jones, Sophia Copeland, Mya Beard; Grandsons, Xavier Copeland & Noah Beard; Mother, Gertrude Elizabeth Wilson, Sisters, Brenda Shephard & Melodie Crier; Brothers, Tyrell & Kyevell Wilson. As well as cousins, nieces, nephews and friends throughout the country.