Sally L. Beam

Sally L. Beam, 73, of Big Spring, died Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, in an Abilene hospital. The family received friends on Sunday, November 16, 2008, from 5 to 6 P.M. Graveside funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. Monday, November 17, 2008 at the Peace Chapel at Trinity Memorial Park in Big Spring.Sally was born Aug. 25, 1935 in Winnsboro. Her father, Robert Baber, moved to West Texas from East Texas in 1925 to play baseball for Cosden. He was accompanied by his faithful wife, Emma Lee. Sally says her father was an excellent hitter, having seen a myriad of pitchers in the minor leagues. Sally lived in Big Spring for most of her life and graduated from high school in 1952. She earned her Bachelor's degree in education from Sul Ross State University in Alpine.Many Big Spring residents remember Sally as their second-grade elementary school teacher; she taught school in the Big Spring Independent School District for 43 years before she retired. Sally was famous as the petite teacher who loved 'Nilla wafers and shared her sweetness with others. She gave the children candy on Fridays for their good behavior. After Sally retired, she worked as a substitute teacher for several years. When asked why she continued to teach after retirement, she said, "I loved those children very much." Sally was a life member of the Texas State Teachers Association.Sally married the love of her life, James H. Beam in June, 1968. Their wedding took place in Odessa. Jim was a principal at College Heights in Big Spring. He loved football, and coached for most of his life. They were happily married until his passing in January, 1989. Sally loved Jim very much and missed him greatly. Sally loved working in her yard (up to five hours a day), playing with her cats Katy and Suzie, and watching college football. She knew the fine details of many college teams, especially the Texas Longhorns. She genuinely enjoyed dancing as well as listening to Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Tom Jones. She saw Elvis in concert twice, first as a young girl in the early part of his career, and again when he was probably the most famous and popular entertainer in the world. She garnered her greatest joy from spending time with her family and friends. Sally Beam was an avid, faithful member of the First United Methodist Church where she had many loving friends. Sally was a truly wonderful, sweet, kind lady who had a flare for fashion and a great sense of style. Sally was well known in town and loved by all. She is survived by many family and friends including her nephew Bill Beam and his wife Cathy of Abilene, and relative, Bette Finlayson Agsalud, 41, and her husband John, 43, of Honolulu, Hawaii, who were all by her side when she peacefully left to join her Lord. Additionally, Aubrey Weaver Jr., was like a son to her and provided tremendous, compassionate assistance to her, especially late in life.,