Jewel E. Beale

Jewel E. Beale: wife, mother, grandmother, and life-long Human Rights advocate, was born on March 5, 1935, to Rev. and Mrs. W.H. Fambro. Raised by her grandparents, Rev. Walter & Pauline Turner, she was introduced to the Christian Faith at a very early age and baptized at St. Paul Baptist Church, Blytheville, Arkansas, in 1946. As a youngster romping through the natural habitats of North Eastern Arkansas, she adopted a tremendous appreciation for nature where she learned many life lessons and found great spiritual solace in wildlife and picturesque landscapes. An avid lover of books she excelled rapidly in educational ventures eventually earning a BA in Liberal Arts and a MA in Counseling Psychology.

Remaining in her home state, Arkansas, until 1956, Jewel subsequently moved to Illinois where she courted and exchanged vows with Arthur Beale, Jr. in 1957. From this union of 60 years, emerged the loving fusion that included the Beale adoption of children from Jewel’s former teen age marriage, Pat, Dwight, and Reggie, and subsequent births of their delightful siblings, Renee, Ayler, and Arthur III.

Being a life-long person of faith, Jewel cherished the worth of family and was an active believer in the principles of persistence in efforts to “love thy neighbor”. Given these guiding life values, her life encompassed concerns for her larger community; especially regarding human conditions and abilities to live and coexist together. Jewel adopted a human rights profile which eventually evolved into an advocacy for significant social issues. Governed by a life goal to serve others, her contributions to such efforts included:

-A profound dedication to marriage and children

-A devoted lifelong learner

-Neighborhood Center Director, Joliet, IL

-Elementary School PTA President, Joliet, IL

-Civil Rights Advocate, Joliet, IL

-Founding Director of a McLean County Domestic Violence Program (Neville House)

-Member of the Illinois Coalition against Domestic Violence

-Advocate for continuing support for countering acts of domestic violence

-Member 11th Judicial Council on Family Violence

-Advocate/Board Member for Early Childhood Education (Head start)

-Member, American Association of University Women

-Board Member/Participant for various McLean County Civic and Social Service Organizations.

-Recipient 1995 Bloomington/Normal Human Relations Award

-An ardent flower gardener

-A lover of books and member of various reading groups

-Cherished needle crafter

-Amateur sketch artist

-Tinkering with her old piano was a favorite pastime

Jewel loved life and was especially blessed with accepting its many evolutions including its ultimate transitions, her demise.

Preceding her in death were a son and grandson, Reginald Beale and Reginald II, her mother, Mrs. Juanita Fambro, and Grandparents Rev, Walter &Pauline Turner.

Given this celebrated transition, Jewel leaves to cherish many memories, her husband of 60 years, Arthur E. Beale, Normal, IL, her beloved children and spouses - Pat & Tom Austin, Estero Florida, Dwight Beale, Normal, IL, Renee & Jay Patterson, Saint Cloud Florida, Ayler Pauline Beale, Peoria, IL, & Arthur Beale. III. Normal, IL. She also leaves seven cherished grandchildren, Michael, Jackie, Diane, Leslie, Delia, Sienna, and Paige, four great-grandchildren, four sisters, one brother, and a host of beloved cousins and friends.

Arrangements under the direction of East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington, IL.