Yvonne "Bonnie" Beachum

Yvonne “Bonnie” Beachum January 28, 1952 – March 1, 2025

With hearts both heavy and grateful, we celebrate the beautiful life of Yvonne “Bonnie” Beachum, who passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 73 years old.

Born on January 28, 1952, in Newark, New Jersey, Yvonne was the beloved daughter of Lawrence and Sarah Johnson. From an early age, she radiated a spirit of vibrancy and joy. A proud graduate of Arts High School (Class of 1970), she majored in music, mastering the bass and vocal music under the guidance of Mr. Pickett. Her passion for learning led her to pursue a degree in Accounting, which she earned in 1981.

Yvonne found joy and fulfillment in her career, first as a computer programmer at Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company and later in the Math and Distance Learning Department at Howard Community College, where she made a lasting impact before retiring. Beyond her professional work, Yvonne had a heart for service. She was deeply involved in her community, giving her time to volunteering, mentoring, and tutoring children. One of her greatest joys was working with the Step Up program at Howard Community College, where she provided guidance and encouragement to students navigating both academics and life’s challenges.

For 55 beautiful years, Yvonne was the devoted and loving wife of Anthony Matthew Beachum. Together, they built a life rich in love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. She was a fierce and nurturing mother to her daughters, Scherazade Agurto, Shavonne Beachum, and Nyree Beachum, who were the light of her life. She adored her cherished grandchildren: Kia Beachum, Justine Beachum-Thomas, Jonathan Beachum, Amber Beachum, Omar Agurto, and Gabriella Willis, and took great joy in the smiles of her great-grandsons, Jordyn Beachum-Thomas and Nasir Beachum-Thomas.

Yvonne was the eldest sister, a guiding light and source of strength to Sharon Johnson and Pamela Olowe. She is reunited in peace with her parents Lawrence and Sarah Johnson, and siblings Judy Ann Johnson, Anthony Johnson, Lance Johnson, and Randy Johnson, as well as her beloved granddaughter, Imani Beachum. Her legacy of love also lives on through a large and loving extended family, nieces, nephews, and countless friends who will forever hold her close in their hearts.

Yvonne’s presence was magnetic—her energy, spunk, sass, and pizazz made every moment brighter. She never hesitated to speak her mind, and her honesty was refreshing and real. Her humor and laughter could light up any room, and her legendary dance moves to “The Percolator” and “Oh Black Betty” will never be forgotten. If you knew her, you knew that signature “Mmm hmm” that spoke volumes without saying much at all.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to their GoFundMe in Yvonne’s honor: Honoring Gaga - Help Support the Beachum Family. https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-gaga-help-support-the-beachum-family

As we say goodbye, we take comfort in the promise of Revelation 21:4: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Though she is no longer with us in body, her love, laughter, and legacy remain woven into our hearts forever. Rest peacefully, Bonnie—you are home now.

In honor of  Yvonne and her beautiful spirit, we kindly ask friends and family to wear a touch of purple to the service. This was her favorite color. Thank you for celebrating her life with us in this special way.

The receiving of friends for Bonnie will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Witzke Funeral Homes Inc., 5555 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 PM.

The family invites you to join us for the repast following the service.

Location: Marlow

Address: 6200 Valencia Lane, Columbia, MD 21044