Born Dec. 15, 1929, in Hope, Arkansas, to Foster Vincent Borland and Minnie Zora Vaughn Borland. Emma Lou grew up in Arkansas before moving to Ruston, Louisiana, to attend Louisiana Tech. While there, she met and married Jack Beard.

In addition to raising their two children, Rebecca and Jon, Emma Lou taught art in the Ruston elementary schools. She loved reading, solving crossword puzzles, rescuing and caring for animals, and cultivating her plants and yard. As a faithful follower of Christ, she was a member of Temple Baptist Church since 1969.

Preceded in death by her husband Jack, sister Joyce Wright, brother Wayne Borland, and son-in-law Roy Pendergrass. She is survived by her daughter Rebecca Pendergrass, and son Jon Beard (Marla); grandchildren: Laura Pendergrass, Emily Pendergrass, Peyton Beard (Jessica), Aubrey Beard, and Forrest Beard.

A memorial service will be held in the Chapel at Temple Baptist Church at 2:00pm on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021. Emma Lou passed away on Nov. 13, 2021, at the age of 91 and will be buried in a private family graveside service.

Pallbearers will be Forrest Beard, Peyton Beard, Michael Collie, Bill Cox, Michael Fulton, and Kevin Williams.  Honorary pallbearers will Mike Barmore and Ted McKinney.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lincoln Parish Library.