GAY SCHNEIDER BEAMON
1929-2017
Gay Schneider Beamon passed away peacefully at home with her family on January 20, 2017.
Gay was born on November 2, 1929 in Houston, Texas to Claire and Robert Schneider. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, her husband Bob, and daughter Cathy Beamon. Gay is survived by her loving children Carolyn Tilley, James R Beamon and wife Traci, Susan Porter and husband Bob, and Sharon Burns and husband Kevin. Gay was also the proud grandmother of nine grandchildren: Matthew Tilley, Sydney and Rob Beamon, Ashley, Lauren and Rachel Porter, and Preston, Grace and Caroline Burns. She always loved being with her family and they loved being with her.
A graduate of San Jacinto High School in Houston, Texas, Gay continued her education at Rice University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts with a specialization in accounting. While at Rice, she was a member of Elizabeth Baldwin Literary Society and was named Rice Class Sweetheart in 1949. During her time at Rice, Gay forged lifelong friendships, including a group of E.B.s that played bridge together for over 60 years. Soon after college she met the love of her life and best friend, Bob Beamon, with whom she enjoyed 63 years of marriage.
The close relationships Gay had with family and friends were important and fulfilling aspects of her life. The array of trips and adventures she shared with so many were treasured lifelong memories. Gay was very active in her children’s lives and activities. Teaching them to play tennis, passing on a love for hiking in Colorado, traveling, and gardening were passions she shared with her family. Spending time with her grandchildren was also a priority: she never missed an important milestone in their lives. The tradition she and Bob created by taking each grandchild on a special vacation when they turned eight years old created cherished memories.
She was a member of the Assistance League of Houston and a member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church and Altar Guild.
A memorial service celebrating Gay’s life will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, January 26 at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston.
Immediately following the service, all are invited to a reception at the adjacent Bagby Parish Hall. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Gay’s name be directed to MD Anderson Cancer Center, PO Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.