Nina Colleen (Beard) Gresham, born Sept. 30, 1965, lived a life of grace, compassion and devotion.
She departed this life on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Calvary Baptist Church, Saluda. Interment will be in the church cemetery. The viewing will be an hour prior to the service.
Early life and education
Nina Colleen (Beard) Gresham was born at Fort Belvoir, the youngest of five children of Leon and Mary Beard. From an early age, she displayed both discipline and creativity — excelling in long-distance track while also studying piano and achieving top marks across her academic courses. She graduated from La Reine High School in Suitland, Md., in 1983. She eventually earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Strayer University, laying the foundation for a distinguished professional career.
Career and mentorship
Nina dedicated her working life by building a remarkable tenure with various federal government agencies. She managed complex projects and policies while always making time to train and mentor junior employees. Her guidance was both firm and encouraging, helping countless colleagues find their footing and advance their own careers. After decades of steadfast commitment, and rising to a senior-level position, she retired knowing that she left an impact at the Internal Revenue Service.
Personal interests and hobbies
Nina was a beautiful, loving, and loyal person who loved all of her family. During her teenage years, Nina found special joy preparing delicious meals for family and friends. In her leisure time she enjoyed crossword puzzles, sudoku, and kept evenings lively with investigative dramas like “Law & Order.”
She also enjoyed traveling – the islands were her favorite places to visit – and going on cruises.
Nina poured her organizational gifts into planning and hosting the annual Gresham Family Solomons Island Retreats — events that became treasured highlights for all who attended.
Although she had no children of her own, she took delight in dancing with her step-great-granddaughters, Bailey and Amara, and even let her great-nephew Micah “arrest” her in playful family antics.
Family and relationships
Nina’s heart always belonged to those she loved. Left behind to cherish her memory is her devoted husband, Randolph C. Gresham; father, Leon Beard; sisters, Joy Beard-Lancaster, and Elizabeth C. Beard; step-daughters, Cherilyn M. Earl and Renelda C. McFayden (Bruce); godson, Brian Graves; step-grandchildren, Brittani, Ayanna, Laila, Marquis, Saniya, Tye, Braelyn, and Justus; step-great-granddaughters, Bailey and Amara; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary E. Hodge; brothers, Mark, Patrick, and Forrest Beard; and her beloved fur babies, Poochie and Tara.
Legacy and final reflections
Though she took her eternal rest in Richmond, her laughter and her lessons remain with us always. Nina’s generosity of spirit and open heart created a ripple of kindness that will endure in every life she touched.
Service of comfort is entrusted to J.K. Redmond Funeral Home in Shacklefords.
