Vonda Bean

Vonda Richards Bean, age 99, of Matthews, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, just months shy of her 100th birthday.

Born on September 15, 1926, in Durham, North Carolina, Vonda was the daughter of Ivel Lawrence Richards and Garland Monroe Richards. She lived a long and meaningful life marked by grace, resilience, and a deep love for her family and community.

Vonda was married to her beloved husband, Robert "Bob" F. Bean, for 68 years until his passing. Their love story began when she was introduced to Bob at dinner by her future father-in-law, a meeting that blossomed into a lifelong partnership filled with devotion, travel, and shared joys.

Vonda had a passion for life's simple pleasures. She and Bob enjoyed traveling together, playing golf, and spending time with friends over a game of bridge. She also loved painting, sewing, knitting, and playing bingo-always bringing creativity and joy to everything she did.

A woman of strong faith, Vonda was a charter member of St. Stephen United Methodist Church, where she served in many roles over the years, most notably as the church historian. Her dedication to her church reflected her lifelong commitment to service and community.

Vonda devoted herself fully to her role as a homemaker, creating a warm and welcoming home for those she loved. Those who knew Vonda will remember her as a blessing to all she met. Her resilience and grace were ever-present, and her smile and wit could light up any room.

She is survived by her daughters, Linda Bean Dunn and her husband Richard, and Pam Bean Misle and her husband Ed; five grandchildren, Ryan Orr (Kim), Katherine Misle Lesch (Adam), Graydon Dunn (Brandi), Harrison Dunn, and Allison Misle Wilkinson (Thomas); and seven great-grandchildren, Brennan, Austin, and Clayton Orr; Landon and Cooper Lesch; and Brooks and Gentry Dunn.

She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Dr. William C. Bean (Nancy), and her sister-in-law, Mary Ann Ansell (Ralph), of Matthews.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to VIA Health Partners (Hospice), Matthews Glen, and Willowbrooke Skilled Nursing for their compassionate care.

A service to celebrate Vonda's life will be held at Matthews Glen Chapel, 733 Matthews Township Parkway, Matthews, NC 28105, on April 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Via Health Partners, 7845 Little Ave. Charlotte, NC 28226.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.