Our loving mother, Mildred Beatrice Wynn Aist, died peacefully on the morning of April 19, 2024 after struggling with complications from heart disease. Originally from South Carolina, she was born on July 25, 1936 to James and Bessie Wynn. She was older sister to Shirley Jean Wynn. Mildred always went by 'Beatrice' or 'Bea', but you would often hear family calling her 'Bea-Bea'. Beatrice graduated from Homerville High School in Clinch County, Georgia and went on to attend Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky. She graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. While at Asbury, she met and fell in love with Clark Aist, and they were married in 1959. Theirs was a loving relationship that lasted until her death. Clark and Beatrice had three children, James, Lara, and Eric.

Beatrice enjoyed a long career as an educator in the State of Maryland. Most of her career was spent teaching students in the Title I schools of Prince George's County. She was a strong proponent of public education and worked hard to provide her students with a quality education, despite the challenges that many of them faced. Her lifelong efforts were rewarded when she retired in 1998 receiving an Outstanding Educator of the Year award for her service to public education in Prince George's County.

Beatrice was a devout Christian from the moment she was baptized in the Suwannee River as a teenager. After marrying Clark, they moved to New Market, MD where Clark was pastor of three United Methodist churches. Beatrice worked full time as a teacher, but also tirelessly supported all three churches. She would review and edit all of Clark's sermons and typed up the bulletins each week. She even preached the sermon at each church one Sunday when Clark was sick. After Clark began chaplaincy at Saint Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, DC, they moved to Cheltenham, MD, near Clark's family home. There, Beatrice attended Cheltenham United Methodist Church, a place she would call home for over 55 years. She devoted herself to service, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, singing soprano in the choir, leading the youth choir, and holding leadership positions on many committees. Her pecan pie at church potlucks was legendary. Beatrice showed by example how to lead a full, spiritually vibrant life centered on God's love.

Family was the most important thing in Beatrice's life. She was absolutely devoted to her husband, Clark, and they enjoyed a rich and loving relationship. Beatrice was also devoted to her three children, always finding time to take them to music lessons, watch their ball games, attend school events, and support them emotionally and spiritually throughout their lives. Beatrice also deeply loved and supported her grandchildren and step-grandchildren, delighting in each milestone and celebrating their joys. She was the rock of the family.

When not taking care of others, Beatrice could be found with a book in her hand or playing hymns on her piano. Beatrice always had a smile and words of kindness and comfort to share with friends and strangers alike. She is missed by all who knew her.

Beatrice is survived by her loving family: husband Reverend Dr. Clark Aist, sons James Aist (Jennifer) and Eric Aist (Debbie), daughter Lara Brown (Ethan), grandchildren Adam Aist, Amanda Aist, Rebecca Brown, and Leah Brown, and step-grandchildren Tawnya Grieve, Bryson Brown, and Elise Brown.

A memorial service celebrating Beatrice's life will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 11:30 am at Cheltenham United Methodist Church, 11111 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD 20623.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:

Cheltenham United Methodist Church https://www.cheltenhamumc.com/give/ or

Baltimore Lab School https://www.baltimorelabschool.org/giving/