Ella "Frances" Willis Beam

Ella "Frances" Willis Beam, 71, of Mountain Meadows Dr., Morganton, NC died Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at her residence following several years of declining health. She was born May 23, 1937 in Cleveland County, and was the daughter of the late Evan Sol Willis and Ruby Tula Richards Willis.Frances is survived by daughters, Janice Maynard and Robin Willis and husband, Gene, all of Morganton; six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Esper Earl Beam, Sr.; a son, Esper Earl Beam, Jr.; a granddaughter, Elizabeth Ann Rogers; and a great-grandson, Adam Chase Maynard.Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 16, 2008 at the Beam Family Cemetery with Rev. Donald Lovelace officiating. The family will receive friends at the home following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.