Mary Winn Beam

Mary Winn Beam, of Wilmington, died May 29, 2015 at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care Center. She was born October 19, 1921 in Kinston, NC and spent most of her life there before moving to Plantation Village in Wilmington, NC to make new friends and begin a new chapter of her life. She was a true Southern Lady who remained lifelong friends with her childhood companions. She was a teacher, librarian, and true student of history and genealogy. She and others spent many years working for a modern library in Kinston and the opening of the new facility on Queen Street was one of her proudest moments. She was a founding member and active participant in Spilman Baptist Church. When she moved to Wilmington her many friends at First Presbyterian Church welcomed her with open arms. Mary Winn's inherent goodness was something her family took for granted. She never complained, never criticized, and was grateful for every morning God gave her. Her influence on her family will make each of us better every day that we live. Her positive attitude kept our whole family focused on living each day and not being distracted by things that cannot be changed. We are much better people because of her love and guidance and will miss her constantly. Mary Winn was the daughter of William Asbury Moore and Isabelle McKenzie Moore, both of whom predeceased her. She was also predeceased by her sister Frances Moore Chadwick and her husband Francis Martin Beam in 1996 after 54 years of marriage. Their marriage of six weeks was interrupted by WW II when her new husband was shipped overseas to return three years later. Her surviving family are her sons Marty (Martha), Bill (Anne) and grandchildren Buck (Caroline), Will (Heather), Ali (Carlos), Mary Margaret (Sean), and Cliff (Liz). Her great grandchildren Winn, Mercer, Carlos, William, Beau, and Wayland will also have fond memories of this very special lady. A memorial service will be held at 1 PM, Sunday, May 31, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kinston Public Library or the First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington. Andrews Market Street Chapel.