Las Vegas, Nevada – charlsie Margaret Biard, a lifelong educator and cherished friend, passed away on April 27, 2025, at the age of 83. A resident of Las Vegas for over 30 years, her life was marked by a profound commitment to education, unwavering friendships, and a deep recognition for the arts.

Early Life and Education

Born on November 10,1941,in Paris,Texas,Charlsie was the only child of Charlie Henry Biard and gladys Rodgers Biard.Her early years were spent in Biardstown, Texas, where her mother taught in a one-room schoolhouse. This early exposure to education ignited a lifelong passion. After moving to Paris,Texas,she attended Miss Mattie Dancer’s Private school,Fourth Ward Elementary School,and Paris High School.She earned an associate’s degree from Paris Junior College before venturing to Washington D.C. for a summer internship in Congressman Wright patman’s office with her friend, Robin Bell. She continued her education, earning a bachelor’s degree from North Texas State University in 1963 and a master’s degree from the University of New Mexico in 1973.

A Global Career in Education

ms. Biard’s career began teaching 3rd grade in Lakewood, Colorado. Encouraged by her parents to “go do what we could not do,” she embraced opportunities that took her around the world.She accepted a teaching position with the Department of Defense Overseas Dependent Schools at Harmon Air Force Base in Stephenville, Newfoundland. After a year, she transferred to Johnson Family housing Annex in Japan, teaching 3rd and 5th-grade students of military personnel during the Vietnam War. while in Japan, Ms.Biard was selected to represent all Japanese Military Schools at a special conference in Okinawa to create a Pacific area report card.

After four years in Albuquerque, New mexico, Ms. Biard accepted a position at Girard College in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania,where she remained for 25 years. During her tenure, she served as a 6th-grade teacher, reading specialist, principal of the elementary school, and eventually, director of education for all grades, 1st through 12th. Girard college is a private, independent boarding school located on 46 acres in downtown Philadelphia. In 1979, she was nominated as Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.

Following her retirement from Girard College,Ms. Biard served as Head of School at the nation’s only public charter boarding school in Washington, D.C. She then returned to the classroom as a reading specialist and teacher in Las Vegas, Nevada, for another eight years.After 47 years in education, she retired to pursue travel, friendships, and relaxation.

Friendship, Travel, and the Arts

Ms. Biard’s life was defined by her devotion to friends, her love for travel, and her affection for her pet dogs. As an only child, she cherished the companionship of her friends, considering them family. She shared a 52-year relationship with her dear love, Jack, traveling to Newfoundland, Japan, and Philadelphia together. She was predeceased by Jack, Joan Mendel, Jacque Jeffus Wirta, Martha Robertson, and billie Earl Flippen, all of whom she considered family. Close friends included Gretchen Hawkins, Vernetha Jones, Mary Nell foote, and Plug Clem. In her later years, Carole Corwin, Angela Ellis, and Rebecca Hughes provided special care and companionship. She also found joy in her close relationship with the Medina family, whom she regarded as her own.

A lover of show business,Ms. Biard enjoyed Broadway shows, live concerts, and movies. Her mother introduced her to the world of entertainment with annual trips via Greyhound bus to the Adolphus Theatre in Dallas to see the Ice Capades or other special presentations.

Faith and Beliefs

Ms. Biard grew up in the First Christian church in Paris, Texas, where she sang in the choir with Jacque Jeffus Wirta and Sammie Nowell Heavener, under the direction of Miss Jean Norman. Her beliefs remained steadfast throughout her life. Her philosophy is reflected on her graveside marker: I shall pass this way but once, thus, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now for I shall not pass this way again.

Educational Philosophy

Ms. biard’s homes were adorned with cultural collectibles from her travels. She believed strongly in the power of trust in education,stating that TRUST is the most important quality and necessity for a child’s success in school.If a child trusts the teacher with his life and learning, he generally succeeds. She also emphasized the importance of dedicated teachers, asserting that books and programs don’t teach, teachers teach. If the teacher is committed to being with children in a school environment and is dedicated to the learning process, that teacher will flourish in this profession.

Family

Ms. Biard is survived by numerous cousins, including Patti Lawrence of Longview, Kelly and Drake Frazier of Houston, Linda Hatcher Rodgers of Paris, Linda and Javin Taylor of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Mary Lou and Lyndon Holmes of Palestine, eddie and Lee McElyea of Paris, Mike and Pam rodgers of Newcastle, Oklahoma, and Bill and Carol Duncan of The Woodlands, Texas. Bill Duncan is overseeing her funeral service.

Services

Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, May 23rd, at Bright-Holland Funeral Home, with burial following in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

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