SANFORD — Beatrice C. Green, 87, of Sanford, died Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Hillcrest Gardens surrounded by her family.

Beatrice was born Aug. 4, 1928, in Sanford to Chelsey and Mae (Day) Flanders. Her family later moved to a farm in Alfred, where she grew up and attended local schools, graduating from Alfred High School in 1946. While living there, she met and later married Warren Green.

The couple lost everything they owned shortly after they were married in the fire of 1947. After the fire, Warren built a home for them in Lyman, where they had four children: Betty, Dorothy and twins Wilma and William (Billy).

Beatrice stayed at home and cared for the children while Warren worked several jobs. The couple was very involved in service of the Lord, and the family’s focus was God’s service.

They attended Calvary Pentecostal Assembly in Waterboro from its inception. The taught Sunday school, led the youth group, performed maintenance for the church, and helped transport others to the services.

Beatrice also looked forward to organizing daily vacation Bible school every summer, held in Waterboro, Wells, Arundel and Saco. She delivered Meals on Wheels as her health allowed for 12 years.

Beatrice opened and managed the Community Thrift Shop on Main Street in Sanford in the 1970s; it may have been the beginning of “buck a bag” shopping. The proceeds went to pay off the loan for a new parsonage.

Beatrice enjoyed sharing Bible studies. She and Warren started doing this together in their home, and it eventually spread to the homes of others as well as local churches. She continued this as long as her health allowed.

She last attended South Waterboro Bible Chapel. Due to declining health, she had not been able to attend for the past six years. She truly missed being able to attend Sunday services; she was truly a Godly woman.

Beatrice had a gentleness of spirit that is rare; she was always the peacemaker. She always made sure that everyone had at least as much as she, and often went “to the back of the line” to make sure that happened. She was truly a person who would rather give than receive.

Beatrice resided at Hillcrest Gardens in Sanford after a fall in July 2015 ended her stay at the Mayflower Assisted Living Facility in Sanford.

At each place, she was treated with the kindness and gentleness she deserved. Compassus Hospice came in to assist with care as she grew weaker.

As her health declined and her hospital stays became more frequent, her family made sure she had everything she needed by her bedside, and on the top of that list was her Bible. The Bible has now been placed in her hands, as she has been laid to rest and she will have it with her forever.

She lost Warren to cancer in 2002. In 2003, she lost Billy to a sudden heart attack, and in 2009, she lost her granddaughter Ramona, Betty’s daughter, to respiratory failure. She dealt with these losses with her usual grace and faith in God.

She was also preceded in death by: two brothers, Donald and Gordon Turner, and two sisters, Irene Parent and Margaret Griffin.

She is survived b: three daughters, Betty Locke and her husband Jim, Dorothy Brochu and her husband Paul, and Wilma Harris and her husband Carl; a daughter-in-law, Elaine; and many grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews.

At Beatrice’s request, there will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, at South Waterboro Bible Chapel, 911 Main St., Waterboro. A graveside service will be held in May at a date to be announced.

Words cannot express the family’s gratitude and thanks for each person who gave love, support and care to Beatrice. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Compassus Hospice, 23 Spring Street, Suite C, Scarborough, ME 04074.

Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford- Springvale. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.blackfuneralhomes.com.