Jean Crowell Isom Beckham

Charlotte - Jean, 89, a former Myers Park resident, passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at her home in Chapel Hill. Her children and grandchildren and other family were close by and visited daily, and she was in the devoted care of hospice and Sandi Vaughan, her caretaker.

Born October 14, 1927 in Charlotte, Jean was the daughter of the late Martha Jean Crowell Isom and Floyd Isom. Following graduation from Central High School, Jean furthered her education at Sullins College in Bristol, Virginia, a former Methodist, female, junior college. Following her time at Sullins, Jean attended the Juilliard School in New York City, New York for two years. Her career as a musician and piano teacher began in 1949. Over the course of her career, she was a highly accomplished pianist and taught hundreds of Charlotte children how to play the piano. Jean was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte and as an adult, a lifelong member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. She often cheerfully hosted the church carolers at Christmas following their caroling at elderly members’ homes and facilities.

The joy of Jean’s life was her family. She was married to Daniel H. Beckham until his death in 1976. She adored her mother, Martha Jean Crowell Isom (who predeceased Jean in 2006) and children, Daniel H. Beckham, Jr. (who predeceased Jean in 1977), Emma, and Jeannie. She always regarded her two first cousins who predeceased her, Theodoric (Ted) Neal and William (Bill) Neal, as brothers. She grew up in the same house with Ted and Bill, and there were many entertaining stories of their childhood and young adult antics. An avid gardener and plant enthusiast, Jean was a lifelong member of the Myers Park Garden Club, where she served multiple terms as vice president. Her participation in her garden club was meaningful and fun for her, and she received a lifelong membership and appreciation accommodation from her club.

Jean is survived by her two daughters, Emma Morris Beckham and Jean Crowell Beckham, her sons-in-law, Charles Joseph Treis III and Scott Daniel Moore, and four beloved grandchildren, Charles Joseph Treis IV, Daniel Andrew Moore, Julia Dinkins Treis, and Samuel Crowell Moore. She also loved Bill and Ted’s children and especially appreciated the sustained attention of Lisa Leak, Bill and Jean Neal, and Ben, Charles and Joe Neal, as well as Susie Zurenda, in her elder years. Special thanks, too, to our friends and community who supported Jean and our families throughout the years.

A graveside service to celebrate Jean’s life will be held at 1 pm on Sunday, June 18, 2017 at Elmwood Cemetery in Charlotte.

For those wishing to send memorial gifts, please consider the charity of your choice.