In Memory

Becky Biard

The following was written by Michael Austin about the small service held on the banks of the Red River a little over 4 months after Becky's death........ 

January 2, Saturday, 2010

It was a bright new day, white with streaming wisps of winter clouds moving within the blue sky... and as the day progressed to high noon we drove into Paris, Texas,,, barely late considering the time spent traveling from Austin. The small crowd of faithful were waiting at the Church (Becky's brother John, his paramour Debbie, Dickey Amos, Pat Crabtree, his three sisters, Betsy, Priscilla, Roma and their 3 kids... Linda Chanler, Becky's son Adam, Blair and their little girl Rachel; an 8th generation Texan I should think). Everyone exchanged howdy's and hugs in a calm and jovial way, the nature of a Parisite, and mounted their vehicles for the 20 minute trip to "The Red".

When we arrived, we found a gate barring access to the river's bank. We were only mildly surprised to see Dickey had arranged to have keys... he's the president of the bank you know... so we were able to drive down the sandy path to a most serene and beautiful spot right on the river's edge. It had rained earlier in the week but the sand could bare my wedge heals and the water had gone cool blue/green. I got solid on the rim and turned to see Adam. His steps were deliberate, careful... slow motion walking down the raise with her in his hands.

It was her all right. A breeze blew over me, played Hell with my composure. I was shocked in the tenderest way though... to see Adam, head bent as he held her body's essence close... as a father might hold a newborn child.

*****

I don't remember what I said. Something about this not being your average ceremony, something about ancestors... and our desire to live on the
Red someday... but careful not to open the window too far, I just played a tune on my clarinet, warm low register notes that lingered for a moment then dove straight into the water.

Adam beckoned me over, we bent down together and he said, "Your body's free Mom.... and now so is your soul" and we spilled her into the waters
edge... embraced; he was the Father.

It was a golden yellow afternoon now, and she was picked up by the currents, like a streaming wisp of winter clouds , moving within the blue/green water, bobbing with the current, the heart beat of the channel... under an ancient train trestle and... finally... out of sight.

Her brother John said, "She'll be in the gulf by morning."

Another said, " Never be anyone like Becky Jo."

I smiled at that... and cried for myself.
 

________________________________________________________________________

 

This is some recent artwork by Becky.... featured at her celebration of life service in Austin on September 2, 2009.

Texas has lost one of her proudest daughters, Becky Jo Biard. Born in Paris, Texas on October 16, 1951, Becky was a cowgirl/artist/teacher/mother/singer/music lover who brought spirited inspiration to her friends and students. She passed away in her sleep at her home in Austin in the early morning hours of August 26, 2009.  

 

 
She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Southwest Texas State University in 1974 and since that time has worked as an art teacher at Pease, Highland Park and Hart elementary schools in Austin. One of her most gratifying accomplishments was the creation of museum showings of her students’ artwork, bringing public attention to the talents of the children she loved. 
 
The descendant of a Cherokee princess, Becky was deeply connected to the natural world and the animal kingdom and was comforted by the presence of her beloved horses and dogs throughout her life.  Art was more than a vocation; it was her way of life and was reflected in the soulful home she created with her fiancé, Michael Austin.
 
Her proudest creation was her son Adam, born on October 29, 1984. He was the light of her life and had recently deployed to Iraq to serve his country. Becky will be the cowgirl angel protecting him in the months to come.   
 
She was preceded in death by her parents John Willie Biard and Margie Henson Biard of Paris, Texas. She is survived by her son Adam Biard Reis; granddaughter Rachel Reis of Pflugerville, Texas; brothers John Biard and Webb Biard of Paris, Texas; aunt Jo Newell Weilbacher of San Antonio, Texas; partner in life and love Michael Austin of Austin, Texas; and countless other family, friends, colleagues and students whose lives she has touched. 
 
A memorial service celebrating Becky’s life will be held Wednesday, September 2 at 7 PM at Trinity United Methodist Church (tumc.org), 600 East 60th Street, Austin, Texas 78751 – one block east of Duval St. and one block south of 51st St. in north Hyde Park. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that donations be made to Swan Songs (www.swansongs.org - PO Box 41021, Austin, TX 78704), an Austin area nonprofit organization that fulfills musical last wishes for music lovers with a terminal illness.    



 
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08/28/09 06:06 PM #6    

Kathy Babb (Magnuson)

Oh what a sad time . It has been many a year since I ve even seen Becky . Knowing Becky from a long time ago , Becky is probably just smiling that smile at all her friends !!! Her Sister Friends, I sorry for your loss of your FRIEND! Becky's family my prayers and thoughts are with you !!!! "Get the hell out of Chicota" quote from Becky!!!!!!! Always thought a lot of Becky ..... always will have great memories !

08/28/09 08:46 PM #7    

Marcie Griffin

I am heart broken over Becky's death. I haven't been able to talk to anyone about it since I heard it. I have been very angry at her for leaving us like this. I knew Becky from the time we were 3 years of age and fought over a puppy her "mama" Weimeramer (sp) had pups. She wanted it and her mother said they had to go. I took her home and named her Blue Bell. When she was about 6 months old, someone stole her right out of our front yard, I guess because she was full blood and could bring a pretty penny. Since that time, Becky and I have been such close friends that we would fight and make up constantly. Our mothers, Margie and Maribelle visited often when we were in late grade school and junior high over coffee and laugh at our fighting and making up. I've never known anyone like Becky and know that I never will again. I just know when I get there with her I am going to have another fight with her for slipping out on all of us, but I am feeling rather selfish right now, and feel that she slipped out on me without my permission. I have hurt so much over this that I have had great difficulty just concentrating at work and at home. This is such a big blow that it will take some time to do all the grieving I will need to do.

Love you Becky Jo and know that someday we will be reunited again! Marcie

08/28/09 08:48 PM #8    

Linda Fagan (Chanler)

Becky Jo....oh my gosh...I am still in shock. I think we have had as much fun over the past 10-15 years as we did in high school. You always amazed me because you could remember every story and every event no matter how many years ago it was. I am so glad we got to go to Dallas and spend one last get away together. Thanks for all of the escapes from reality when I would need a break. "Come on up" you would say and then you, me and Michael(once he arrived on the scene) would always laugh and have a great time till weeee hours in the morning. That is what I will miss, just knowing that I could jump in the car and have a weekend of fun and laughter with my friend that I could bare my soul to. We had so much fun watching the reunion CD the next weekend after the reunion. We must have watched it 30 times over and over and every time there was a new story that we would talk about. Damn girl why did you have to go.....love you, mean it

08/31/09 01:35 PM #9    

Vicki Moss (Trenado)

I'd like to extend my deep & heartfelt sympathy to Becky's family. I wish I had words that could comfort - but know my thoughts & prayers are with her family & friends. Wishing you comfort & peace knowing the precious memories that live on forever.

08/31/09 04:44 PM #10    

Jeanne Green (Harper)

Becky...Cindy just told me. I cannot describe the shock and saddness I feel. I go back to the days when Cindy, Sharon, Linda and me went riding around in your green Mustang, the Sonic, drill team, and the slumber parties. What good times we had. You will be sorely missed, my friend!

09/01/09 07:33 AM #11    

Bob Gurley



You gave us so much while you were here.Words cannot descibe how much we will miss you. Bob Gurley


09/02/09 01:08 PM #12    

Clift Sammons

I am so sad about hearing this. We had e-mailed each other several times after the reunion and wanted to visit in Austin sometime.........sometime never came..a lost opportunity missed...

You had a great memory of times spent in the past...better than mine...You will be missed by all of us that were your friends...I will see you again on the other side..keep the door open for the rest of us! Goodbye my friend. May God bless your family in this sad time.

09/05/09 08:17 AM #13    

Bobby Graves

I just heard about Becky's death and could not believe it. I had looked forward to seeing her at our reunion and was disappointed when she couldn't make it. She lit up a room when she walked in and you could not be "down in the dumps" when she was around. The world is a poorer place for her loss.

God bless her son, family, and friends. We were truly blessed to have known her during her life and continue to be blessed with the memories of her that will live on with us. We'll meet again someday!

01/05/10 09:07 AM #14    

Sidney Gross

Thank you so much for the tribute and description of Becky and her joining with the Red as her soul found a place in the stream of life. Your words are a comfort to me as they must be to so many others who owe a bit of their lifes memories to having know this angel, Becky Jo.
Again, thank you Michael, Adam, Webb, John and above all--Mr and Mrs Baird for sharing this Texan with the world.
Sid Gross

06/14/19 07:30 PM #15    

Linda Fagan (Chanler)

Becky my friend. I miss you so much. Where have 10 years gone. A ride in the mustang, a little funky stuff ... I miss you my friend.  Hugs until we meet again. Love you mean it!!❤️


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