Ira Beasley
Ms. Ira Beasley’s life has been shaped by resilience, faith, and commitment to family. Born with two siblings to a loving mother, Ms. Beasley has always understood the strength behind the word “family.” Her entire life has been family-centered; for Ms. Beasley, it is “always family for me.” Over the years, she has seen how the familial unit has become a “lost art,” but with her grandson Cody, she has seen firsthand how these values can continue to thrive under the guidance of a loving caregiver.
Ms. Beasley’s career began in reception at an insurance company, where she quickly worked her way up through the claims department and eventually to the litigation department. Though she aspired to pursue a degree in criminal justice, work and familial obligations led her to obtain a paralegal degree instead. She also served in the U.S. Army as a computer programmer, further padding her already impressive resume.
After Cody was born, Ms. Beasley’s role as a caregiver took on a new meaning, when she gained legal custody of him.
For Ms. Beasley, the fight for healthcare justice is personal. Not only did her late daughter struggle with her own mental health needs, but Cody was diagnosed with epilepsy and ADHD at age four. She has seen firsthand the challenges that come with managing a loved one’s healthcare needs. Cody’s early years were filled with challenges, but with his grandmother’s tireless support, they were able to carve a new trajectory with the help of the Family Foundation Fund, a group that is “totally invested in well-rounded young men.”
In this program, Cody was given new opportunities through quality education, counseling, and mentorship, all of which helped address his learning and health needs. With his grandmother’s encouragement, Cody flourished. He excelled in school, maintained respect for others, and embraced opportunities to travel and broaden his horizons. From Cuba to Ghana, he has experienced a world far beyond what he could have imagined.
When Cody turned 18, he lost his TennCare Medicaid coverage. Shortly after, he suffered a seizure that resulted in an ambulance ride and an $11,000 hospital bill. Determined to fight for Cody, Ms. Beasley sought help from the Tennessee Justice Center (TJC). With TJC’s guidance and her relentless advocacy, Cody was reinstated into TennCare Medicaid without a lapse in coverage, ensuring his continued medical care.
Through everything, Cody and Ms. Beasley have leaned on each other. For Ms. Beasley, “He’s like my other person! …. When I need to hear that someone really appreciates me, I’ll call him because he always tells me he loves me!” Ms. Beasley cherishes the grandparent-grandchild relationship and considers each of her grandchildren a blessing. Over the years, she has cared for 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, always striving to instill self-worth and faith in their futures. Her dedication extends beyond her family—she serves as an administrator at her church and works to help individuals transitioning from incarceration find support and community.
Ms. Beasley’s dedication to Cody is a testament to the power of love and perseverance. She has given him not just a home, but a future filled with hope and opportunity. As Cody moves forward, he carries with him the strength and wisdom of the woman who raised him—who has dedicated her life to ensuring that he, and others like him, have the chance to thrive.
“I don’t believe in sitting around. The more you do, the more you encourage yourself and show others how to think outside the box. I want to help you learn who you are as an individual and teach you how to look beyond what you see right now, because there is always more.”
We at the Tennessee Justice Center are proud to honor Ms. Ira Beasley as a 2025 Caregiver of the Year.
Photo by KPL Photography
Published in 2025
