Sally "Bebe" Bingham

Bebe was raised in Mississippi and graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Delta State Teachers College in 1954 and eventually earned her master’s in educational leadership from North Texas State. After making her travel dreams a reality as an American Airlines Stewardess for four years, in 1959 she married the love of her life, Barley Bingham, and moved to Grand Prairie, Texas. Barley and Bebe were married for 29 years and had two children, Brian and Brenda Bingham.

Bebe loved being an involved stay-at-home mom with her two children. She enjoyed sewing (and in several instances won first prize at the State Fair) as well as participating in all her kids’ extracurricular activities. She was also a founding member of the Grand Prairie Woman’s Club where she served several terms as President and created lifelong friendships.

In 1979, she started her educational career teaching business courses at South Grand Prairie High School (SGP). After two years, she was promoted and served five years at SGP as an Assistant Principal. In 1986, she had the honor of opening Kennedy Middle School as the building principal, after which she served five years as the Adams Middle School principal. Bebe completed her career as the campus principal of Kennedy Middle School, retiring in 1998.

During retirement, Bebe was elected to the Grand Prairie Independent School District’s (GPISD) School Board in 1999. She served for 13 years - until 2012. Her years on the GPISD School Board were some of her absolute favorite – Bebe enjoyed serving the community of Grand Prairie and, most importantly, influencing the education of children throughout the city.

While Bebe loved teaching and leading in the education world, her favorite title was “G.B.,” which stood for “Grandmother Bingham,” her grandma name used by each of her grandchildren. She adored each of her four grandchildren and doted on them every chance she got – whether it was sitting at hot baseball or softball games, hosting swim parties, or gathering for holidays in her formal dining room; what she loved most was being with family.

Bebe loved to travel and spent most of her retirement years on cruise ships seeing the world. She shared this love with her grandchildren, marking their milestones by taking trips together.

Bebe was a dedicated selfless servant who touched many lives. But most importantly - she was a great wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by her son, Brian W. Bingham, and his wife Sandi; son-in-law, Robert G. Ward, Jr.; grandchildren, Samantha Oxley and her husband, Ryan, Bradley W. Ward and his wife, Jessica, Bryce W. Bingham, and Brooke Bingham; great-grandchildren, Brynlee Oxley, Dylan Oxley, Liam Ward, and Elliot Ward.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Barley Bingham; and her daughter, Brenda B. Ward; as well as her mother and father, Revelle and Mose Carter.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bebe’s memory to LifeLine for Families, Inc., the Grand Prairie Education Foundation, or a Charity of your choosing.

Services are provided by Bean Massey Burge. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 8th, from 5:00 to 7:00pm. The Celebration of Bebe’s Life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Grand Prairie on Wednesday, August 9th, starting at 10 am. Burial following at Southland Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers are Bradley Ward, Robert Ward, Ryan Oxley, Bryce Bingham, Robbie Sims, Terry Brooks, Brian Bingham and Judge Norris "Stretch" Rideaux.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.beanmasseyburge.com for the Bingham family.