Vivian Ruth Beam

Vivian Ruth Grogan Gibson Beam died peacefully on March 2, 2022 with her Sisters Mary Grogan and Julia Ann Pauley by her side. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, November 28, 1954, Vivian was the daughter of the late William Samuel and Ruth McKinney Grogan. In addition to her parents, Vivian was predeceased by her late husband of 40 years, Ralph Earl Beam; her first husband Ronald Gibson, Sr; father-in-law Ralph Beam Sr; mother-in-law Pearl James Beam; brother Dennis William McKinney; brother-in-laws Delmas Ware, Michael W. Pauley, Milton A. Zabora Sr; sisters Susan Elaine Grogan Zabora, Patricia Maxine Grogan Brehm; and sister-in-law Evelyn Mills White McKinney. Vivian is survived by sisters Mary Faye Grogan, Julia Ann Grogan Pauley; sister-in law Ruby Beam Ware; brothers William Samuel Grogan Jr (Patty), Jackie Ray Grogan, Leonard Mitchell Grogan (Linda); sons Ronald Scott Gibson (Jennifer) Timothy Brian Gibson; step-sons Ronnie Lee Beam, Matthew Paul Beam (Melanie); grandchildren Dakota, Chase, and Sierra Gibson, Joslyn Gibson Kershaw (Ethan), Jaelyn Gibson, Barrett Gibson; great-grandchildren Braelynne Gibson, Dayton and Donald Kaspar. Vivian grew up in Highlandtown and fondly recalled many happy childhood memories, especially her friendship with Bernadette Brown Greaver. Educated in the Baltimore City Schools system, she was enrolled in Mergenthaler High School prior to leaving the area to briefly live with an aunt in WV. Ronald Gibson soon won her heart. They married in Pearisburg, VA in 1970 then returned to Baltimore to begin their new life as husband and wife. Life was good until Ronnie was injured in a work related accident. The stress of events that followed led to divorce and Vivian was left to fend for her sons and self. Vivian met Ralph Beam, better known as Bud or Buddy, several years later. In 1979 Vivian moved to Stromsburg, NE in hopes of beginning a new life. Buddy told her that she was the "love of his life," that he could not live without her, and moved to Stromsburg with his two sons. They married May 17, 1980. Many happy memories were gathered as the six of them built their new life. Vivian soon graduated with a GED from York, NE, attended Columbus Community College, Columbus, NE, earned certification as an EMT, worked at the Mid-West Covenant Nursing Home, the Annie Jeffrey Memorial County Hospital, and volunteered during the Stromsburg Swedish Festivals. She and Bud attended the Word of Faith Pentecostal Church where Bud sang in the choir while she tended to her grandchildren. They were sweet, precious memories and times, Vivian recalled. They had good friends. It was a peaceful and relaxed life. She recalled having a peace in her spirit. But most importantly to Vivian was being able to talk to and visit with her favorite brother Sam and his wife Patty. In 2000 she and Buddy returned to Baltimore to help care for their aging parents, first Buddy's mom and dad then Vivian's mom and dad. Between 2000 –2018 Vivian held jobs as a stocker with Dollar Tree, Rite Aid Distribution Center, and U.S. Can Corp. In 2010 she and Buddy moved to Aberdeen, MD, were blessed with good neighbors; and for Vivian, to spend more time with her Aunt Leona. Her greatest accomplishment was to quit smoking. Vivian recalls how fulfilled she felt when able to help people and give the needed care at just the right time. She took joy in knowing that people appreciated her unique sense of humor. Vivian said she hopes her children and grandchildren remember how proud she was of them and how much she loved them. Most of all she has dearly missed Bud and has looked forward to being reunited with him, "the love of her life" once again. Her son Scott recalled his mom as a good kinda' crazy, an awesome story teller, fantastic prankster, and a kindhearted person who always tried to treat others as she would want them to treat her. Vivian will miss neighbors Phil and Brenda Wheelden, Judy Wooten, a co-worker who was like a sister; and, longtime friend, JoAnn Potter, with whom she and Bud enjoyed many outings. Lastly a special thank you to Access Care Hospice especially nurse Darlene. Due to COVID restrictions when Ralph Earl Beam died on September 5, 2020 there was not a service for him. A joint Celebration of Life for both Vivian and Ralph will be conducted at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Vivian has requested that donations be made In Memory of Vivian Beam to either St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 or Girls and Boys Town for troubled youth, 555 North 30th St., Omaha, NE 68131. The Dual Celebration of Life for Ralph and Vivian Beam will take place on Friday, March 25, 2022. 11 am, at the Mt Calvary Freewill Baptist Church, 1413 Cranberry Rd, Aberdeen, MD 21001. Pastor Danny Moore will officiate the service

Vivian Ruth Beam

November 28, 1954 - March 2, 2022