Mary Louise Dixon Beam

Mary Louise Dixon Beam, born August 22, 1925, joined her heavenly family on September 12, 2017.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Garrard and Earline Vinzant Dixon, her husband, Gaither McIntyre (Buddy) Beam Jr, and her son, Thomas Allen Beam.

Born in Durham, Mary Lou spent her formative years in Roxboro where she joined the Presbyterian Church in her youth and remained so until her “watch-care” application at Louisburg Baptist Church led to baptism and full membership.

She attended Roxboro High School and graduated with honors. During this time, she met G.M. (Buddy) Beam, Jr, who she later married in 1947.  During World War II, Mary Lou attended Peace College and after graduation from Peace, she worked at Duke for the Director of the Chapel Chair and Concert Series Director, J. Foster Barnes.  After Buddy returned from the service and was attending Wake Forest University, Mary Lou worked at the Registrar’s office there.

Mary Lou and Buddy were charter members of the Jewel Class in the Louisburg Baptist Church.  Within the church Mary Lou participated in the choir, Vacation Bible School, YWA leader, Onnie T. Perry Circle and as a Deacon.  She continued her Wednesday morning Prayer Group meeting until she was no longer physically able.

Mary Lou was a multi-talented person, a loving wife and mother.   She put most of us to shame with her remarkable vocabulary.  She was well known for being very competitive in both her couples and ladies bridge clubs.   She had original ideas and knowledge of how to carry out creative ways of decorating and cooking.  She shared her creative candle making with many within the Louisburg area.  Mary Lou loved being in the kitchen, creating dishes for her family and friends to enjoy.  She was an avid seamstress, creating beautiful decorations, gifts and clothing as well as outfits for various dolls and stuffed animals to brighten her children’s lives. 

Mary Lou is survived by her daughter, Barbara Beam; granddaughter, Jennifer Taylor both of Monroe; grandson, W. Christopher Taylor of Yulee FL; great grandson, Noah Taylor of Monroe; great grandsons, Jordan and Chase Taylor; great granddaughter, McKenzie Taylor all of Yulee FL; first cousin, William (Bill) Hunger of Helotes, TX; daughter-in-law Marcie Beam of Raleigh; great niece Aryn Bridwell of Raleigh; dedicated friend, Diane Gupton of Louisburg and countless friends and extended family.

The Beam family can never find adequate words of thanks to all the Wake Med Raleigh Hospital medical staff for the professional and compassionate care they provided Mary Lou. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday September 23, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel of Strickland Funeral Home, 103 W. Franklin Street, Louisburg.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service.  A private burial will be held at the Oakwood Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers please send memorials to the Louisburg Baptist Church, Neighborhood Fund, 302 N. Main Street, PO Box 730, Louisburg, NC 27549.

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.

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