Thelma Lea Beemen

Thelma Lea Beemen, 91, of Searcy passed from this earthly life on Sunday, June 19th in her home after an extended illness. She was born in her childhood home at the top of Dugout Mountain on June 25, 1924 to the late Elzie and Jessie (Coffey) Wiggs.

She was married to Jewel Edward Beemen on August 23, 1947 in Augusta, Arkansas. They began their married life in a cabin they built on White River where Jewel was a commercial fisherman. They had a long and abiding love for each other and he absolutely was "the love of her life." They worked hard together and provided a loving home for their children. There was not a lot of money but always a lot of love and plenty of good food especially "beans and tators." She loved to read and sew for her children and grandchildren. She made many wonderful hand stitched quilts. She loved her church and community. She attended many of the Floyd school reunions and participated in the relay for life walk; being a 50 plus year cancer survivor. After she married she lived 7 years in Buckeye, Arizona; but came back home and they built their house at the foot of Dugout Mountain where she remained until her death. Family was everything to her and she loved and was proud of each new addition. She had a vivid memory and could tell you wonderful stories of her life and the people she met along the way.

Thelma is survived by her children: Portia Cline and husband, Ricky of Quitman, Arkansas, Jackie Vidal and husband, Joe of Searcy, Arkansas, Janet Alumbaugh and husband, Billy of Fort Mill, South Carolina, Rocky Beemen of Orting, Washington, and Stony Beemen and wife, Beverly of Bradford, Arkansas. She was blessed with nine grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents Thelma was preceded in death by Jewel; her husband of 45 years; one son, Jerry Thomas Wiggs; and one sister, Mickey.

We are thankful for all those who helped care for her so she could remain in her home. We were blessed with many caregivers who provided loving, compassionate care.

Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 23rd at Harmony Methodist Church.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 23rd at Harmony Methodist Church with burial following at Pleasant Grove Cemetery

All funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Searcy-McEuen Funeral Home.

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