minnie lee williams beamon
1916-1984
Life Story
Daughter of Newton County and Devoted Mother
Early Life and Family
Minnie Lee Williams Beamon was born on April 11, 1916, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Guss Garfield Williams (1883–1968) and Lula Willis (1884–?). She grew up in a large family during the early twentieth century, surrounded by numerous siblings. Her brothers included Oscar, Otha, Henry, Joe, Cephus (Cephias), James, and Lewis (L.T.) Williams, and her sisters were Mary Ruth, Alice, and Hattie Williams.
The 1920 and 1930 United States censuses place Minnie with her family in Beat 4 of Newton County, an area typical of the rural farming communities that defined much of the county’s landscape during that era.
Educational opportunities for African American children in rural Mississippi were often limited, especially when families depended on farm labor. Minnie attended school through the third grade, but census records show that by the age of thirteen she could read and write, reflecting the determination and value placed on learning within her household.
Marriage and Family Life
By the mid-1930s, Minnie married Henry Beamon (sometimes recorded as Beaman), who was about twelve years her senior. The young couple established their home in the Mogulusha community of Neshoba County, Mississippi.
The 1940 census lists Minnie as an “unpaid family worker,” a designation commonly used for women who contributed their labor to family farms and household economies. Like many women of her generation, Minnie balanced the demanding responsibilities of farm life with caring for her growing household.
During the following decade, Minnie and Henry welcomed five children:
- Henry L. Beamon, Jr. (born 1942)
- Lillie Beamon (born 1946)
- Robert Lee Beamon (1948–2020)
- Ruby Beamon
- Donald Beamon
By 1950, the Beamon family had returned to Newton County, where they were recorded living on South 7th Street. Minnie devoted much of her life to maintaining her home and raising her children. As the family grew, the household later welcomed daughters-in-law Carolyn, Margie, and Sheila Beamon, along with a son-in-law, Eddie Wynn.
Faith and Community
Faith played an important role in Minnie’s life. She and her husband were devoted members of Saint Cloud Missionary Baptist Church, where they found spiritual guidance and fellowship within their community.
Like many families in rural Mississippi, the church served as both a place of worship and a center of social life, strengthening the bonds between families and neighbors.
Later Years and Legacy
In her later years, Minnie lived in Lawrence, Mississippi. As her health declined, she moved to the Conva Rest Home in Newton, where she received care during her final days.
Minnie Lee Williams Beamon passed away on September 19, 1984, at the age of 68. She was laid to rest at Union Chapel Graveyard in Lawrence, Mississippi, a resting place close to the community where she had spent much of her life.
She was survived by her five children, along with brothers James Williams and Lewis “L.T.” Williams of Michigan, and sisters Hattie Clark, Alice Conley, and Mary Ruth Jackson. Several brothers had preceded her in death.
Minnie’s life reflected the quiet strength of many women who sustained their families and communities through hard work, faith, and devotion. Through her children, grandchildren, and extended family, her legacy continues in the generations that followed.
Resting Place
Union Chapel United Methodist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- The Newton Record, Marriage of Sheila Burks to Donald Beamon, Wed, May 30, 1973 ·Page 9
- Scott County Times, Henry Beamon Obituary, Wed, Aug 29, 1984 ·Page 2
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- Obituary provided by a family member
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