Sammie A. Bean

Sammie A. (Nelson) Bean, 95, formerly of Wichita Falls, passed away Saturday, Sep 17, 2011, in Noblesville, IN. Sammie was born Sep 3, 1916, in Duncan, Stephens Co., Oklahoma, to the late Samuel L. and Emma J. (Mead) Nelson. After graduation from Empire High School, Empire, OK, she completed training at Wichita Falls Beauty School and worked at Ofray Beauty Shop in Wichita Falls for many years before and after her marriage in May 1944 to lifelong Wichita Falls resident Henry Berton Bean. As his wife she traveled to many places including Japan and was a longtime member of the Officer’s Wives Club of Sheppard Air Force Base.

Sammie was a member of Highland Heights Baptist Church in the early years but later joined Westside Baptist where she was an active member and an officer of the Ruth Sunday School class.

A 50 year member of the Order of Eastern Star, she held lifetime membership in Wichita Falls Chapter #237 where she served as treasurer for several years and as Worthy Matron in 1969-70 and 1993-94. She also held offices in the Past Matrons Club. As an extension of her work with OES, she served as Mother Advisor and as a Board Member for Wichita Falls Assembly #17, Order of Rainbow for Girls and was awarded the Grand Cross of Colors.

Sammie also enjoyed membership in the Ray Home Extension Club in which she held various offices.

While her children were growing up she was an avid school volunteer, a Cub Scout Den Leader, and a Girl Scout leader.

Her husband, a son, Terry W. Bean, and a great-grandson, Joshua Ochoa, predeceased her.

She is survived by a daughter, Sue Bean (Otis) Johnson of Noblesville, IN; a son, Larry B. Bean of Christmas Florida; three grandchildren: Deana Johnson (Hector) Ochoa of Pierceton, IN; Fred (Molly) Johnson of Spokane, WA; and Thomas (Christine) Johnson of Pendleton, IN; and eight great-grand children : Jeremiah, Alicia, Zachariah and Samuel Ochoa; Liam and Colin Johnson; Abigail and Wesley Johnson, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Graveside Services will be held at Crestview Memorial Park Friday, September 23, 2011 at 1: OO PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

To sign the online guestbook or to leave the family a personal message, please visit www.hamptonvaughcrestview.com