Mary Ann Spencer Beckwith, affectionately known to family and friends as "Poosey," was born September 7, 1946, in Columbus, Mississippi, to Willie B. and Katie Lee Williams. A lifelong resident of Columbus, Mary Ann passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital–Oxford.

Mary Ann's life was a testament to devotion, faith, and the daily acts of love that bind a family together. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, and friend whose warm smile and gentle spirit made her home a gathering place for relatives and neighbors. Mary Ann loved to cook — many family celebrations and Sunday dinners were centered around the dishes she prepared with care — and she delighted in simple pleasures like shopping and spending time with the people she loved.

For many years Mary Ann was employed by Beneke, where she was known for her steady work ethic and for the friendships she formed with coworkers. Her faith was central to her life; she was a devoted member of St. John M.B. Church and Brownridge M.B. Church, where she served faithfully and found community, comfort, and purpose. Those who worshipped alongside her remember her as a devoted sister in faith whose presence brought quiet strength to church life.

Mary Ann shared a marriage of more than forty years with her husband, Charlie James Beckwith. Their long partnership was marked by mutual care, shared laughter, and a deep commitment to family. She treasured her children and took great pride in watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow; her legacy lives on in the many ways she nurtured and encouraged each generation.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie B. and Katie Lee Williams; her husband, Charlie James Beckwith; her brothers John Williams, Billy Coleman, Jeff Evans, and Gilbert Evans; and her sisters Frankie Mae Clabon, Annie Louise Spencer, and Bessie Will Williams.

Mary Ann is survived by her children Dr. Gilbert (Deborah) Spencer, Katie Spencer, Robert (Belinda) Spencer, Levon Campbell, and MacArthur (Danielle) Spencer; one brother, Willie Williams; 18 grandchildren; 18 great‑grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will cherish her memory and carry forward her example of kindness, generosity, and steadfast love..

Carter's Funeral Services is inviting you to a scheduled livestream for the Celebration of Life for Mrs. Mary Ann Spencer Beckwith
on Saturday, January 24, 2026, 11:00 AM CST

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2061604094?pwd=5hKBLbt1GETr1roA0NKfvG2PO78gCk.1&omn=87227878566

Meeting ID: 206 160 4094
Passcode: carters