Elijah Tommy Beauford

ELIJAH THOMAS BEAUFORD, affectionately known to family and friends as Tommy or Unk was born in Garnett, South Carolina on March 9, 1944, and was the sixth child of the late Carrie Beauford. On September 5, 2026, Tommy with Vicki by his side, transitioned peacefully following a long and courageous personal health battle.

Tommy was a fun loving, and quick-witted child who attended Garnett Elementary School and Estill Training School located in the Hampton County School District. After his family eventually settled in Mansfield, Ohio in 1959, he later attended Mansfield Senior High School graduating with the class of 1962. After his graduation from high school, Tommy answered the call in 1965 to proudly serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army being stationed in Germany, working as a Missileer Outfit Operator and being honorable discharged in 1971. Following his military service Tommy began work with the Ohio Brass Company where he worked for over 26 years and after its closing in 1990, he began working at Hartman Electric and later retiring from Copperweld.

According to the ordinance of God on July 12, 1969, Tommy met and married the love of his life Vickie Wright whom he affectionately referred to as "Sugar Lump or Honey Bee", she actually resided across the street on Willis Avenue from his childhood home. Together they have shared 57 wonderful years of marriage while building a legacy of love, faith and family with their three children Gale, Nikki, and Jeremy. Where you saw one you saw the other.... always equally yoked.

Tommy's life was filled with love, laughter and devotion to his family. His selflessness and devotion to family became the hallmarks of his life.

At an early age, Tommy was baptized at Sand Hill Baptist Church in Garnett, South Carolina under the pastorate of the late Rev. Hudson, after later moving to Mansfield with his family he joined Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in 1959 under the pastorate of the late Rev. Joseph L. Outlaw and continuing his membership under the pastorate of Bishop William W. Morris. Tommy was never one to meet a stranger, and he was one who loved connecting and talking with people while forging many warm relationships with lively adlibs and lots of good natured "ribbing and instigating at the nephews barbecue events" and even a "little meddling at times"; and while spending most days at his gathering place, the Mansfield Restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

He is preceded in death by his mother; sons: Gale and Jeremy Beauford; siblings: Elizabeth Solomon, Levi Beauford, Earl Beauford, Steve Beauford, Patricia Beauford, Linda Beauford, Marvin Beauford; and sisters-in-law: Hattie Beauford, Vella Beauford, Minnie Beauford, Nina Wright and Gay Evans.

As we bid farewell let us remember that his life was a masterclass in how to face adversity with a smile and to keep on going. He will be forever remembered by the love of his life and wife of more than five decades, Vicki Beauford; daughter: D'Laine "Nikki" Beauford; siblings: Jacki Beauford-Edwards and Walter Beauford; brother-in-love: Marion "Sonny" Solomon; sisters- in-law: Beverly Beauford, Toni Beauford, Dana "Sandy" Holley, and Kimberly Davis; special bonds of enduring friendship with William "Winkie" Everson, Dan (Nonnie) Carter, Cornell Delk, Dr. Holbrook (Rhonda) Riles, Merle Stewart, Robert (Sandy "Wilma") Whitfield, and Jim Estep; his Old Stone Court Neighbors; Mansfield Restaurant family; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.