Sara Marie (Sally) Beam, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on December 19, 2024, at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, at the age of 75. She was surrounded by her family, the very heart of her life.

Sally was born in Lexington, MS, to John Robert and Elizabeth (Strub) Brown. She grew up in Durant, MS where she graduated from Durant High School. Her love for music began at a very young age, when she started taking piano lessons at just four years old. Music would remain her constant companion throughout her life-a gift she shared with everyone she met, but especially with her children, to whom she passed down her passion. Sally often said she was "born to be a mother," and there was no truer statement. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her world, and her greatest joy came from being with them.

A graduate of Holmes Community College and Delta State University, where she earned a degree in Music Education and Voice, Sally's musical journey took her far and wide. Over the years, she touched countless lives through her work as a teacher, choir director, organist, pianist, and vocalist. For over 43 years, she and her husband, Rev. Jerry Bostick Beam, were a part of many different church families, spreading the love of music and worshiping through song. From church choirs to handbell ensembles, Sally found her calling in serving others through the sacred ministry of music. Her talents were a reflection of her deep faith and her unwavering commitment to God.

Sally served as the organist at First United Methodist Church in Water Valley, where Jerry was Pastor, and later returned as the Director of Music, overseeing the Adult, Youth, and Children's Choirs. She also served The United Methodist Church as the pianist for numerous Walks to Emmaus and Cursillo retreats.

Some of the highlights of Sally's musical career include performing with the Musica Socra Choir of Mobile, Alabama, where she toured Italy and had the profound honor of singing in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. She also sang with the Mississippi Chorus in Jackson, where she joined forces with six other choirs from the southern United States to perform Verdi's Requiem at Carnegie Hall in New York. But perhaps the most meaningful performance of all was her recent years of playing piano for Sunday worship at First United Methodist Church in Durant.

Beyond her love of music, Sally had a wide range of interests that enriched her life. She was an avid reader, with a deep love for books. She also had a creative side that was expressed through art, sewing, decorating, and meticulously planning parties. Sally had a gift for making every event feel special. She was a wonderful cook and loved to host for family and friends.

Sally was a very devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She poured her heart and soul into them and had a way of making sure everyone felt seen, valued, and loved. Her kindness, generosity, and joy will never be forgotten.

Her commitment to her children was unwavering, and she loved each of them deeply. Her grandchildren brought her immense happiness in her later years and being "Granny" and "Boo" was her favorite job to date, so much so that she created both a nursery and a playroom for them.

Sally is survived by her beloved husband of 43 years, Rev. Jerry Bostick Beam of Brandon, MS; her cherished siblings, Caroline Sims (Roy), Bob Brown, Margaret Anne Webb (Henry); her treasured children: Rev. Alicia Beam, Alan Beam (Shelley), Bob Beam (Ashley), Bill Beam (Devin), and Beth Martin (Josh). Her 11 grandchildren-Boz, Addie, Olivia, Woodson, Watts, Lincoln, Liam, Gauge, Ayla, Garrett, and Loralei-were her pride and joy. Along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Worship Celebration of the Faith and Life of Sally will be held in the Sanctuary of the St. Marks United Methodist Church, 400 Grants Ferry Road, Brandon, MS 39047 on Sunday, January 5, 2024, at 3:00 PM. A reception will be held following in Christian Life Center (CLC), to which all are invited to visit and celebrate Sally's life.

Sally's life was a testament to the power of music, the beauty of family, and the depth of faith. Her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift, and she will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to be serving their friends.