Margaret E. Beaumont's Obituary
Margaret Elizabeth Beaumont passed away, November 27, 2010 at Imboden Creek Living Center, Decatur. Margaret was a life-long resident of Decatur, born at Decatur Memorial Hospital on July 3, 1918. She was the daughter of Clarence Emory Hall and Matilda Elizabeth Seitz Hall. Margaret graduated from Decatur High School and from Millikin University in 1940 after which she married James Harrold Beaumont of Decatur on December 7, 1940 at the First Methodist Church of Decatur. They have two sons, James Hall Beaumont and William Harrold Beaumont. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her brother, James Edward Hall.
Margaret was an active community volunteer, first with her children's activities, serving as a Cub Scout den mother and president of Dennis School PTA. She was also involved with American Field Service, a high school international exchange program, eventually serving as chapter president. Her family hosted Werner Barfuss, a student from Germany in 1959-1960, and developed a life-long relationship with him and his family, with his niece marrying her younger grandson in 1999.
An enthusiastic Pi Beta Phi at Millikin, Margaret gave a great deal of time to the local chapter house and continued her association with the sorority for many years. She served on the boards of Webster Hall and then the combined Webster-Cantrell Hall, becoming the first chairperson. A lifelong member of First Methodist Church, she was active in the women's circle taking her term as chairman. She was a 50-year member of Chapter BW of PEO serving as president and also president of Study Group, a longtime women's organization in Decatur. She also volunteered in the coffee shop at Decatur Memorial Hospital. A fifty-year member of the Country Club of Decatur, she was active in the ladies golf program, winning the nine-hole championship. She was a member of the Millikin University Investors Society. Margaret was very supportive of her husband's career, entertaining and traveling with him as the occasions required.
She is survived by her sons James (Mary Mitchell) of Springfield, Illinois and William of Terrell, Texas; two grandsons James Mitchell (Wendy) of Ladera Ranch, California and Matthew Hall (Jessica) of Munich, Germany; five great grandchildren James Tyler, Allison, and Cassandra of California and Hellen and Emma of Germany; sister-in-law Janice Bolte (William) and three nephews and a niece.
The family expresses its appreciation for the care Margaret received from her physician Dr. Richard Fritz, the staff at Imboden Gardens where she lived for five years, the staff of Imboden Living Center where she resided for the past several months, and to Anna Brandt her personal caregiver.
A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The First United Methodist Church or Millikin University. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Margaret?
What’s a lesson you learned from Margaret?
Share a story where Margaret's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Margaret you’ll never forget.
How did Margaret make you smile?