Laura Catherine Bearden

September 15, 1928 ~ October 5, 2026

Catherine Bearden, age 98, passed away Monday, October 5, 2026 in Fort Worth, TX.

Catherine Bearden was born near Cortez, Colorado, Parents John Franklin Fields and Lena Mae Bates Fields. Siblings – Dora Lee Brooks, Charlie Franklin Fields, Vivian Earle Gardner all deceased.

Family moved to Oglesby Texas in 1933, then moved to Mosheim TX in 1941. Graduated from Mosheim, High School in May 1946 as Valedictorian. Was an avid basketball player and always followed sports.

Later took accounting classes at Baylor University while working at Baylor for 9 years. Took Real Estate classes at McLennan Community College, received real estate and broker’s license, while working at Robertson Law Office in Clifton for 2 years and Clifton Bank for 9 years. Retired from Clifton Bank to assist her husband and his parents on the family farm. Later went to work part time for Bosque Baptist Association and worked until retiring October 2013.

Catherine was converted at Coryell Church at the age of 9. Began teaching Sunday School at the age of 16 and taught for 60+ years. Always active in church and civic organizations. Member of First Baptist Church of Valley Mills for over 65 years. Charter member of Valley Mills Public Library and the Heritage Society. Catherine also taught Girl Scouts, volunteered as registrar at Latham Springs for Adult 50+ camp. Also, member of Valley Mills East Star for over 50 years.

In 1946 met Joe Basil Bearden on a blind date. Basil was the son of Joe Ernest Bearden and Leta Mae Cox Bearden. They were married on December 24, 1947 at Mosheim Baptist Church by Reverend C. D. Connor. To this union 3 children were born. Eugenia Kay in 1953, Wanda Mae in 1955, Keith Wayne in 1958. They lived in Valley Mills many years and moved to a new home in 1977 on the family farm near Lanes Chapel Church to be close to Basil’s parents. The farm belonged to Joe and Leta Bearden, a part of the original section of land purchased by Great Grandfather Sowell Cox, grandfather to Leta Cox Bearden. For many years they all enjoyed farming, raising cattle and gardening.

Catherine worked at McNeill Drug Store for18 – 19 years, was the Tax Accessor/collector for Valley Mills for 2 years. Worked at Baylor University for 9 years, Robertson Law office for 2 years, Clifton Bank for 9 years, Bosque Baptist Association as secretary for many years.

Catherine was preceded in death by her husband, 1 child Keith, parents, siblings. She is survived by her children Genia and husband Mike Walker of Conroe, Wanda and husband Jerry Wakeland or Fort Worth, daughter in law Patricia Bearden of Valley Mills. Nine grandchildren – John Walker and wife Traci and children Maddy, Rosie and Greysen and 1 great-great grandchild-Archer. David Walker and wife Terri and sons Dustin and Andrew. Rebecca and sons Brent, Owen and Logan all of Conroe. Geoffrey Wakeland and Alise and her husband Ben Ralston or Fort Worth. Heather and husband Skylar Thomasson, daughters Alea and Olivia, Trista and Cody Edwards and daughter Iris, Patrick and Caprice Bearden and daughter Summer of Valley Mills. Dustin Bearden and wife Kayla of Clifton. Several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church of Valley Mills, Lanes Chapel Cemetery or charity of your choice.

Visitation will be from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M., Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. 

Graveside Services will be Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at Lane's Chapel Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to Foss Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Valley Mills, TX 254-405-4249 or 254-932-5249

Please join us in remembering Catherine by signing our guestbook at

www.fossfuneralhome.com