ANNIE RUTH BEECHER, age 87, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. She was the devoted wife of Charlie Davis Beecher, with whom she shared 61 loving years of marriage.

Born in Gaston, Georgia, Annie was the cherished daughter of Carrie Lee and Wiley Strickland. She came to Akron as an infant and remained a lifelong resident. She attended Glover Elementary School and graduated from Central High School in 1958. Annie was employed at Polsky’s Department Store before dedicating herself as a full-time homemaker. She married Charlie Beecher in 1963.

Annie accepted Christ at an early age and began her spiritual journey at Mount Calvary Baptist Church. She later became a member of Macedonia Baptist Church, where she met the love of her life. Eventually, she and her husband joined Akron Alliance Christian and Missionary Fellowship Church, where she remained a faithful member for the rest of her life. Annie was deeply involved in church life, serving as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, usher, and treasurer of the Alliance Women for over 20 years.

Affectionately known as “Grammaw” by her grandchildren, Annie lived a vibrant and active life. She enjoyed roller skating, participated in her local Block Club and Garden Club, and attended numerous women’s conferences. She had a special place in her heart for animals and lovingly rescued many cats and dogs in need. Annie was fascinated by Queen Elizabeth and the British Royal Family and never missed an episode of Judge Judy. Despite her petite stature, she was known for her hearty appetite, often surprising those around her.

Annie was a devoted mother who attended PTA meetings, school concerts, and football games—often serving as the family chauffeur. Her faithfulness extended to regular church attendance on Sundays and Wednesdays. She also had a passion for fashion and was a talented seamstress, creating beautiful garments for her family, including her own flawless wedding dress.

Annie Ruth Beecher leaves to cherish her memory her children: Daryl Beecher; Charlotte Beecher Cannon; Seymour (Darlene) Beecher; and Carrie Beecher Wright; her stepdaughter, Diane Beecher Washington; her special in-laws, Audrey Beecher, Otis and Pearl Beecher; her brothers, Stewart Satterwhite and Michael Paige; her sister, Katrina Brown and her beloved grandchildren: Michael Goode Jr., Darryl Beecher, Derrick Beecher, Cierra (Dashawn)  Davison, Christopher Beecher, Cayden Wright, Cevanna Wright, Gabrielle Beecher, and Serenity Beecher, along with a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She also leaves behind her dear friend Cynthia Phillips and her cousin Jewell Strickland. Annie was preceded in death by her parents, Wiley and Carrie Strickland; her husband, Charlie Beecher; her sister, Sherry Spears and her brother, Tony Paige.