Kimberly Beam

She was born on November 21, 1960, to the late Charles Spence and Yvonne Spence. She was a devoted wife, mother, Bubbie, sister, and friend—but perhaps most importantly, she was a servant at heart. She spent her life loving and caring for the people around her, never asking for recognition and never needing to be the center of attention.

For 40 years, she was the devoted wife and best friend of her husband, John Malcolm Beam. Together, they built a life and a family filled with love, laughter, memories, and the kind of home where people always knew they were welcome.

She was a homemaker in the truest and most beautiful sense of the word—and she was the best there ever was. Her home was spotless, her cooking was unmatched, and she had a gift for turning ordinary moments into memories that her family will carry forever. She made things from scratch, loved feeding the people she loved, and somehow made everything and everyone feel special.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She loved her children and grandchildren completely and without reservation. As Bubbie, she loved her grandchildren with a special kind of joy that only she could give. She was the kind of mother and Bubbie who could make you feel loved without ever having to say a word. Her support was unwavering, and her presence was a comfort simply because she was there.

She had the softest spirit. She led with kindness and never with judgment. She never pressured anyone to talk or tell her what was wrong. Somehow, she always seemed to know when what you really needed was simply someone to listen. And when you did need advice, she had the best advice—and she usually knew exactly when to give it.

She had a strong, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and her faith was woven into the way she lived her life. She believed in the simple things God gave us to enjoy: love, music, and a sense of humor. She certainly possessed all three in abundance.

And while she was gentle, loving, and soft-hearted, those who knew her best also knew she could occasionally bring a little Old Testament energy into the conversation. Her language could be memorable, her humor was one of a kind, and she had a way of making people laugh even when life was difficult. That combination of tenderness, honesty, wisdom, and humor was uniquely hers.

She loved reading the news, following all manner of theories and stories, and keeping up with what was happening in the world. She loved cooking, especially making things homemade, and most of all, she loved creating a life full of memories with the people she loved.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 40 years, John Malcolm Beam; her children, Jennifer Montgomery and her husband, Roger Montgomery; DJ McGahee and his wife, Jill McGahee; and Elizabeth Gallagher and her husband, Evan Gallagher; and her grandchildren, Mason, Isaac, Karis, Tynley, Lennyn, Malcolm, and Felicity, who were among the greatest joys of her life and forever her beloved Bubbie babies.

She is also survived by her brothers, Kurt Spence and his wife, Vicki Spence, and Kyle Spence and his wife, Connie Spence, along with their families.

She leaves behind a family who was loved fiercely, a home filled with memories, recipes that will be recreated for years to come, advice that will continue to echo, and countless moments that will never be forgotten.

Her greatest legacy will not be found in things she owned or accomplishments that could be written on paper. It will be found in the people she loved, the family she built, the lives she touched, and the way she made people feel safe, supported, and loved.

She was, quite simply, home.

And though her family will miss her more than words can express, they will carry her with them—in the meals they make, the music they hear, the laughter they share, the advice they remember, and the love she taught them to give so freely.

Until we meet again, Bubbie.

Visitation will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Saraland, Alabama, on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 12:00 p.m. Interment to immediately follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.