THIS IS MY STORY
Hello, my dear family and friends, Gather 'round and let me take you on a journey through my life—a life filled with love, laughter, and a few lessons along the way. I'm Beatrice, though you might know me as Mama, Cousin, or Aunt Bea, and I have a story to tell. It's a story of family, friendship, passion, and a love that came knocking at my door. So sit back, relax, and let me share with you the moments that made my life truly unforgettable.
I grew up in Centerville, Louisiana and was blessed to be born to two incredible parents, Earnestine Preston and Edgar Stevenson. We called them Mother and Daddy. I was Daddy's favorite, and I'd fight you if you said otherwise! That man had me spoiled rotten. He taught me how a man should love and treat a woman. And Mother, oh, she was the sweetest soul and the most amazing chef. She inspired me, motivated me, prayed with and for me, and loved me with her whole heart and soul. We had one of the neatest yards and cleanest houses in the neighborhood.
I was baptized by Rev. Joseph Wells at New Providence Baptist Church when I was 12 years old.
I had the best brother and sisters anyone could ever imagine. Dorothy Young, the firstborn, was the first of us to go to college, and I loved helping her raise her three kids alongside mine. Herbert Stevenson, our protector, took care of all of us. Rose Bolden and I became inseparable as we grew older. Carol Brown was stunning and had the most amazing voice. And my baby sister, Vivian McCloud, was like my first kid because I was responsible for getting her dressed and her hair combed.
I got married at 18 to Arthur Lee Adams, Sr. in Franklin. We were married in our front yard. We remained married for 20 years and then divorced. But, we lived directly across the street from each other. Which worked out because we were still able to raise our kids in close proximity even though we lived separately.
Oh, let me tell you about my three incredible kids! I was so proud to say they were all college graduates. Arthur Lee Adams, Jr. (Sonya Adams) was my miracle baby. After trying for six long years, he finally arrived. I was even in a coma for two weeks trying to get that kid! I wanted to name him Merock, which meant miracle, because that's exactly what he was to me.
Then there was Lesley (Cedric Grimes), my Miss America. I loved dressing her up like my little doll. Every night, I'd walk her all the way to her room, tuck her into bed, and somehow, she'd always end up right next to me. I never did figure out how she managed that! She was my siddity child, she gets her fashion sense from me! Lesley was my protector, if anyone disrupted my peace, she is who I called, “I’m calling my daugter, Lesley!” She was a BOSS! And then came Nicole, my little genius baby, and she was the result of a family vote. We babysat Dennis and Sherry's (Preston) ( two of my favorite cousins) baby, Roderick, one weekend, and when it was time for them to pick him up, we all cried! So I asked Lesley and Jr., "Y'all want a baby?" They both raised their hands, and a year later, Nicki arrived. Did y'all know she went to college at age 5?! I told everyone that. She was also my source of laughter, always having me laughing until I cried. I called her my Sunshine. I named her after my niece Yvette, who then became her godmother, while I became the godmother of my other niece, Stephanie.
My nephew, Gary Stevenson, was like my second son. My favorite memory is how much he loved visiting our house. He and Jr. had bunk beds, and at night, Gary would say his prayers quickly, while Jr., from the top bunk, would say, “Say mine, too, Gary!” Those kids were my pride and joy, each one a blessing in their own unique way.
God doesn't give you the people you want; He gives you the people you need. Addie Bogan and I have been together since kindergarten. Portia Jenkins and I have been inseparable friends since 16, even after dating the same boyfriend, always reconnecting effortlessly despite time apart, she noticed my love for the color black; I encouraged her to be brave. Fayester Foulcard always called me classy and kind, and our friendship grew into sisterly love. Edna Lyons and I met at a Beauticians Convention, and we were friends ever since. Theresa Joseph, Jesse Marks, and I went to Beauty School together.
I was a member of the Beauticians Club. We would meet once a month at each other's houses or at Ryan's. I enjoyed those meetings. We were supposed to talk about hair, but we talked about everything...else. I also was a member of a board that would help local small businesses in Franklin to help them get funding. I was so proud to be a part of that committee to help people start their business. I knew the importance of it because I never liked taking orders from anyone so I knew I had to work for myself! I did not like to be told what to do. Working for myself allowed me to create my own rules.
God never created a soul without giving you a gift. My gift was in my hands. I was a cosmetologist for over 20 years, well, maybe longer if you count the years I bootlegged! I was the highest bootlegger in town. Yes, I'm saying it now, because what are you going to do? Arrest me? My shop, His and Hers House of Beauty, was right next door to my house. It was built by my father-in-law John Q. Adams and my brother, Herbert, printed the words on the outside of the building. I was the first African-American in the city to own my own salon. I loved it because I had the ability to put a pot on the stove, check on my kids, and then go back inside and fingerwave or roll someone's hair!
When you entered my shop, you entered a place where I could not only do your hair, but I could style your clothes, do your makeup, and your nails. They used to tease me and say, "You're not just a beautician, you're a magician!" If you wanted your hair to grow, an amazing shampoo (a shampoo sooo good I would have to wake you up after it), a CLEAN shop, and the best music in town... you came to ME!
I would tell everyone you are not about to sit in my shop all day, if you're sitting in here, my money is also sitting in here! I needed you out of the door so your money could be in my pocket!
I had an instinct for business, so when I designed the shop, I created it with the option to close one side of it off. It became home for many families and an extra income for me and my 3 babies. I rented several properties in town and I didn't play about having my rent!
Music was an essential part of my life, I had it blasting no matter where I was, (but still not as loud as my son Jr. would play his! ) I loved the blues. My favorites were Bobby "Blue" Bland, ZZ Hills, Tyrone Davis, Little Milton, and Johnnie Taylor.
One of my favorite songs was "Misty Blue" by Dorothy Moore and I put that on almost every tape I made! But, I hardly liked EVERY song anyone made so I would buy a stack of blank TDK tapes and grab my favorite songs, it was an art form how I was able to blend those songs together. It would take me HOURS!
It was nothing for me to make you a custom mix tape and have it ready before you could get from under my dryer! I had to come up with creative ways to supplement my income (I was a single Mom, you know...) My brother Herbert installed the music in my shop that made it surround sound. There were speakers everywhere so the music would be at every angle.
I was a natural born leader, a maverick, and set the stage and the pattern for others to follow. I had an eye for fashion, mainly because I didn't want anyone to look like me! White nail polish, is now a trend, but I've been wearing that since 1997! Even if I bought a dress, I would take it, pull out my sewing machine and remake it adding elements that I knew would make you stop and stare. I also had my precious Mrs. Nico, next door, who always understood the assignment. We made some beautiful creations together. I loved fashion, not just for me, but for you, too. I would dress anyone and tell you how to mix and match it. In addition, I loved interior design. My colors were black and white with a pop of red.
I also adored smelling good. If you ever wanted to give me a gift, perfume was one of the best choices. I liked to look good at ALL TIMES! Even when I went to sleep, I had to have the finest nightclothes. Victoria's Secret has sooo much of my money and I am not mad about it at all, 'cause I looked "goodt" My nickname was Mrs. Chancellor, a character from the Young and the Restless. A show that I loved so much I named my baby after one of the characters.
I was always health conscious, I worked out every morning and was in the gym at 6 am. I often walked the neighborhood, the track at Franklin High, or the park behind my house. I was the one that made it possible for the track there. I wanted us all to have an inexpensive way to stay healthy in our own neighborhood. Loved a good salad, would take a paper towel and wipe the salt off of potato chips and fries. Everything had to be clean around me, my kids, my house, my cars, my business....everything.
My other talent was being in my yard, I loved it, my sister Hattie Johnson-Burrell and I had a silent competition, she kept me motivated, we would break off pieces of each other's flowers while we also exchanged pots of food, hugs and laughs. We helped raise each other's children. I was honored with the award for "Garden of the Month" several times in the Banner Tribune, our local newspaper.
One of my rules: Don't show up to my house unannounced, I had no problem letting you stand there knocking until your hands fell off. I always had the rule to call me first.
Let me tell you about Park Avenue. I loved that street. I took pride in it, and we had the best neighbors ever. We were a family on that street. My sister, Dorothy, lived right next door, we started our days together, with a pot of coffee and conversation.
They say that love will never come knocking at your door, but that wasn't true for me. Harold showed up at my front door, and it was truly love at first sight. He was my rock, my partner, and my best friend. I would call his name, "Haroooooold," and he would come running. We balanced each other perfectly—he loved to eat, and I loved exploring new restaurants. Every time we would get hungry, I would ask where he wanted to go to eat, and he would reply, "I want to go in the kitchen." He wanted a home-cooked meal! Our love was a beautiful journey, and I cherished every moment we spent together. At the end of my journey here, I would often say that I wanted to go home. My kids thought that I meant to Franklin. No, I wanted to go be with God... Mother and Daddy, my favorite and only brother Herbert, Carol, Aunt Electa Law, Aunt Sarah Preston, my baby Gwen Stevenson, my sweet Rose and many more relatives.
My husband, Harold, was always waiting on me to get ready, and now, he's calling me again, saying, "Come on here!" If you know us, you knew that he was always waiting on me to get ready. So, I have to run.
To my nieces, nephews, and grandbabies, you all brought so much joy into my life. To my three kids, we had a journey, didn't we? I want you all to know how much your Mama loved you. Listen up, my loves. First and foremost, take care of yourselves. You can't pour from an empty cup, so make sure you're looking after your mental and physical health. Be true to who you are, and never let anyone dim your light. Life will throw some punches, but you’ve got to get back up, dust yourself off, and keep moving forward. You will grow through what you go through. And remember, it's okay to ask for help when you need it.
I want you all to know how much your Mama loves you. I AM proud of all of you! Each of you own a part of my heart. Remember how I taught you to pray? I would always tell you to bring it to God. Because that's what Mother would tell me, "Just, pray babe... " know that you can go to God for any and everything. Stick together, take care of each other, love one another and speak your truth, 'cause you know I did!
Reflect back to my favorite gospel song was, "So many times...the Lord made a way for me..." Anyone remember that song? There were situations that I didn't know what to do and God made a way.
Remember how much I loved pranks? Laughter is the best medicine. Don't take life too seriously. Find joy in the little things, and never forget to dance like nobody's watching. Keep your head up and your heart open. Make sure every breath you take counts for something. You've got this, and I'm always rooting for and loving you! Live your lives unapologetically. When you hear the blues playing, think of me and smile, knowing that I am happy. Until we meet again,
Bea
Time waits for no one, even for the best of the best, because eventually, we all have to lay it down and take that eternal rest. So do as much good as you can before you take that heavenly nap, because the best thing to leave for people in your life is the gift of a life-navigated map. So take your rest with no regrets, for the Lord will see your family through, and give the Lord, in Jesus' name, the very best of you. Amen.
Love Your Nephew, Terrence Brown
Dear Mom,
With love, Your son, Arthur, Jr.
To my mother in heaven, Thank you so very much for always loving and guiding me. You were one of the strongest, bravest, and kindest humans to grace this earth. Without you mom, I wouldn't be here today, I wouldn't be the person I am, and I wouldn't have the life I have. I thank God every day that He chose Beatrice to be my Mom. I am so thankful to Him for the awesome gift that He bestowed upon me. I look forward to the day that I can see you again and hug you very tight. I love you and miss you dearly. Lesley
Thank you, Ma, for the beautiful life you gave me. Your love, strength, and kindness have shaped who I am today. I am endlessly grateful the time we spent together. I cherished every moment. I love you more than words can express. Your Sunshine, Nicole
Thank you for raising us with the values that guide us every day. Your leadership has shaped us into the people we are, a true reflection of your love and strength. Your passion for flowers lives on through me, and I will carry your dreams forward. No more pain for you now—you’ll always be in my heart.
A Tribute to My Friend, My Sister Bea
As we gather here today to celebrate the life of my dear friend, like a sister, Beatrice, let us remember her laughter, her love and all the joy she brought into our lives.
We grew up together in Centerville, Louisiana and have been friends since kindergarten. We attended the same church, New Providence Baptist Church under Rev. J.W. Wells. Our mothers were friends.
Bea was very inspirational and uplifting. If I was down in spirit about something, she would say something to make me feel better and vice versa. We could talk for hours, go places together and do things together just like sisters. We were always there for each other. My heart is broken to see her go but the Bible says in Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
My lifelong friend has taken her wings. Our parting is bitter sweet, no more pain or suffering. She may be gone from my presence but will always remember her.
Today, I honor her legacy and cherish the moments we shared as friends. Bea will always be remembered and live on in our hearts.
Your Friend, Your Sister Addie Joyce Robertson Bogan
Bea and I have been friends since we were 16, and she was always so genuine. We met because we were dating the same boyfriend, but after those relationships ended, we remained friends. We never let anything come between us. Even if we were apart for months, when we saw each other, it felt like no time had passed. Our bond was unbreakable. I noticed that Bea was always wearing black, and despite being tiny, she had big legs. She never took no for an answer. While I would often be scared, Bea would just push her way through. Through every challenge and change, our friendship has remained a testament to unwavering love and resilience. Your Friend, Portia Jenkins
Aunt Bea,
The loss that we feel on today is heartfelt to know her was to love her just as she was. Our Aunt Bea was very outspoken. You are either took what she said with a grain of salt or you would become hotter than fish grease. As we became older, she would tell you how much she loved you and how much family meant to her, but some of our (she and I)conversations would last for hours.
Reflecting on the past mostly, but some of our conversations weren't for the mild minded to hear she would later go on to say that she would be missed when she was gone, and I would tell her girl you're gonna outlive roaches, we would laugh. She would say, girl I don't wanna live that long. I wanna go see mother and daddy, I guess you've made it so give all of them a big hug for us. You know that you may be gone , but you will never be forgotten. We love you forever. Love Lorraine
Acknowledgments
We are deeply grateful for the love and support of our dear family, friends, and loved ones. We could not have made it without you. The compassionate thoughts, earnest prayers, encouraging smiles, comforting expressions, florals and other countless acts of kindness brought solace to our hearts. We will forever cherish your kindness, and may you continue to be blessed abundantly.
Special Thanks to the staff at Addis Fire Department, Our Lady of the Lake Hospital andAmedisys.
