Vivian M. Beam

Vivian M. "Marge" Beam, 82, of Punta Gorda, FL and Cheboygan, MI passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2014. She was the daughter of Ralph F. and Sarah (Patton) Bennett, born April 1, 1931 in Detroit, MI. Marge earned a Bachelor's Degree in English from Asbury University on August 6, 1952. Ten days later, she married the love of her life for 61 years, Charles E. "Chuck" Beam who was serving in the Marine Corps in North Carolina. She then began her twenty-five year teaching career in the Onslow County Public Systems. When Chuck finished his military service, they returned to Michigan and she continued teaching with the Royal Oak Public Schools, and ultimately retired from Lamphere Public Schools in Madison Heights, MI in 1986. After she retired, Marge and Chuck became "Snowbirds", spending their winters in Punta Gorda, FL and their summers in Cheboygan, Michigan. Marge was a very active church member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Cheboygan, MI and a Stephen's Minster with the First United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda. Marge was active with the Michigan Association of Retired School Personal. She was also a member of the Punta Gorda Isles Yacht Club and the Cheboygan Yacht Club. For many years, she served as a Worthy Advisor of the Order of Rainbow Girls of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed travelling, playing games and making singing. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family. Marge will be greatly missed by her children, Marjie (Bruce) Simms, Ralph Beam, Sallie (Steve) Shaw and Barbara (Karin) Beam; her grandchildren, Steven, Emilee, Matthew, Sarah, Bethanie, James, Elana and Milos. She was preceded in death by Chuck and her sister, Vera Bennett. A visitation will be held 12 to 1pm, Saturday, January 25, 2014 with a funeral service to follow at 1pm at First United Methodist Church, Punta Gorda. Memorial donations may be made to Asbury University, 1 Macklem Dr., Wilmore, KY 40390 www.asbury.edu. To express condolences to the family, please visit ww.Ltaylorfuneral.com and sign the online guest book.