Ms. Virginia Bean

Samuel Lester Bean passed away on May 4, 2006, after a battle with cancer. The veteran president of the Beaumont Branch of the NAACP was a retired railroad engineer, a committed family man and a tireless champion of those who struggle for equal rights and opportunity. A native of Hillister, Bean was a star athlete in high school, and earned an associate’s degree from Mary Allen Junior College in Crockett. He also attended Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas as well. Bean entered disability retirement in 1977 following a job-related accident. Although his disability was severe, he persevered to participate in many sports and to champion the rights of others. As president of the Beaumont Branch of the NAACP, Bean led the branch in winning several national honors. He also was recognized by numerous organizations throughout his life. Some of the most noted awards were the Don Kelly South East Texan of the Year 2006, the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award by the National Association of University Women, the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s “Our Political Strength” Award, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s Citizen of the Year Award, the NAACP National 100 Club Members Award, the Pump Primer’s Award from the African American Cultural Society, the NAACP Torchbearer’s Award, the Jarvis Christian College Outstanding Service Award, the Beaumont Enterprise’s Jefferson Award, and the Beaumont Independent School District’s 1000 Hours School Volunteer Award. Bean and his wife Virginia were married for 44 years. They have five children, and four grandchildren.