Bean Fulmore Fulton Williams

Early Life and Education

Bean Williams was born on September 5, 1938, in Williamsburg County, South Carolina. She was the beloved daughter of the late Jack P. and Lesly Fulmore. She shared a profound and special bond with her siblings, particularly her twin brother, Jack David Fulmore.

Gifted with a sharp mind from a young age, Bean excelled in her studies within the public school system of Williamsburg County. It was during these years that her exceptional talent as a seamstress first emerged. While in high school, she was called upon to assist her Home Economics teacher in crafting the drapes for the school auditorium.

Her foundation of faith was laid at Mt. Beulah United Methodist Church in Lake City, South Carolina, where she was baptized and served faithfully as an usher and a member of the Sunday School and Gospel Choir.

Family and Devotion

In the late 1950s, she married Claudie Fulton, and they soon welcomed their eldest daughter, Cynthia Yvonne. In the 1960s, the family relocated to Washington, D.C., where their second daughter, Tonya LaGreta, was born. The family of four later settled in Landover, Maryland. Bean loved her daughters fiercely and was a staunch believer in family traditions.

Bean demonstrated unwavering love for her family through hosting family gatherings. She was an extraordinary cook whose soul-filled kitchen was legendary. Of all her dishes, her famous sweet potato pies were the most coveted, and were requested at every gathering.

She remained a devoted wife to Claudie until his passing in 1987. In 1992, Bean found love again and married Vernon Williams, with whom she shared many happy years until his passing in 2007.

Career and Professional Life

Seeking new opportunities, Bean moved to the Washington, D.C. area in the early 1960s. Her professional journey started at The Hecht Company. She later went on to have a distinguished career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. During her tenure, which began during the J. Edgar Hoover era, Bean worked in document classification - a role requiring immense detail and discretion. After 28 years of dedicated service, she retired in 1999. Following her retirement, she poured her energy into her grandchildren, cherishing their sleepovers and ensuring they had endless fun and all they could eat.

Talents and Adventures

In addition to cooking, Bean was a master seamstress and gardener. She made much of her children’s clothing in their early years. She also loved nature and could identify almost any plant. Anyone visiting her home would be greeted by her beautiful outdoor and indoor plants.

Bean was an avid traveler who enjoyed cruises and island hopping with her husband Vernon. Her passport told the story of a life well-lived, with vibrant memories from the Bahamas, Barbados, Martinique, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Antigua, Hawaii, and beyond.

A Life of Service

In the early 1960s, Bean joined Mount Horeb Baptist Church, Washington, DC, where she remained an active and devoted member for over 60 years. At Mount Horeb, she served in the front office, participated in the Senior Guild, Audit Committee, and lifted her voice in the Gospel and Consoling Choirs. She was also active in her local civic association.

Legacy

On March 27, 2026, Bean was called home to eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack P. and Lesly Fulmore; both husbands, Claudie Fulton and Vernon Williams; her brothers, Lloyd and Quency Fulmore; her sisters, Eva Fulmore and Flora Hollmon; four brothers-in-law and five sisters-in-law.

Her memory will be cherished by her two daughters: Cynthia Dawkins (ex-son-in-law Dr. Jesse Dawkins Sr.) and Tonya (William Jr.) Easley; two step-daughters: Dr. Veronica Williams and Carolyn (Kevin) Braxton; four grandchildren: Jacquelyn Dawkins, Jesse Dawkins Jr., Dr. Deanna (Phillip) Sinex, and Dr. William Easley III; one step-granddaughter: Maya Braxton (Eric Soltowski); one great-granddaughter: Breanna Sinex; four devoted sisters: Florence and Louisa Fulmore, Lake City, SC; Margaret (John) Scruggs, Fredericksburg, VA; Sadie R. (Samuel) Cobbs, Hampton, VA; a twin brother: Jack D. (Retha) Fulmore, Fredericksburg, VA; two sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Visitation will be held at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home on Sunday April 12, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. The Celebration of Life will begin at 1:30pm