Barbara Ann Beeman, of Bella Vista, AR, died Sunday, July 16, 2023, at Highlands Health and Rehab in Bella Vista, AR. She was born on March 19, 1942, in Paris, AR.

Barbara grew up in central Arkansas. She loved reading, riding bikes, tap dance and was active in Rainbow Girls. She was shy, tall, and wore thick glasses, for which she was teased in school. For the rest of her life, Barbara would root for the underdog and side with the friendless.

She entered her sophomore year at Little Rock's Central High School when they desegregated in 1957. She spent that year frightened of the hate around her.  When Central HS closed the next year, Barbara moved to Ft. Smith to stay with family and attended iconic girls' school, St. Scholastica, where she discovered a love for theater and dance. She graduated from Central High the following year.

Barbara attended Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA) and UALR. Before graduating, she married a budding US Air Force airman and started a family. Barbara spent 27 years as a devoted USAF wife, supporting her husband as he worked his way to the rank of Colonel. She raised their two children while he was away for weeks at a time, flying a C-130 for combat search and rescue missions during the Vietnam War. Together, they lived in 10 different states, the Philippines and Guam, before settling in the Florida panhandle, and eventually divorcing.

Barbara spent many years as a single woman in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. She worked for several years there assisting disabled individuals enter the workforce and live independently. She also became certified to work as an American Sign Language interpreter for the deaf. She found joy working as a special education teaching assistant. Barbara completed massage therapy school and had a gift for healing touch. She had the ability to sense when someone was in pain and would quietly ask if she could help. She enjoyed competitive ballroom dance and worked briefly as a model, both on runway and in print.

Barbara made her way back to her home state of Arkansas in 1995. Barb met Mel at a Fellowship Bible Church community group and they were married in 1998. Together, they adopted and raised Barbara's granddaughter, Jenni. When they were finally empty-nesters, Mel and Barb enjoyed taking drives, traveling, Corvette Club activities, home DIY projects, working in their yard, and time with friends and family.

Throughout her many travels, Barbara collected numerous antique pieces which she was very proud of. She was known for her keen eye for decorating and her sharp sense of style. She did independent interior design work throughout the years. She loved going to garage sales and flea markets and often maintained a booth at local antiques shops.

Barbara was diligent in visiting area nursing homes to lead bible studies and visit with residents. She was known for her ministry to the elderly, shut-ins, and anyone sick or struggling. She always said: "it's my job to love, not ask questions. God will deal with the rest." Barbara was an active member of Village Bible Church in Bella Vista. In 2001, she noticed a massive need in her community and co-founded the Oasis Food Pantry, where she served religiously for years.

Barb spent time every single day for about 45 years reading God's word. She started her mornings with a devotional reading and prayer time. She could quote scripture and pray powerfully. Her relationship with Jesus Christ was at the epicenter of her life.

She was a gourmet cook, loved dogs, plants, porch-swings, the beach, a good book, and the fine arts. She was most proud of being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She impacted many lives and is missed dearly. Her family is grateful for Barb's many friends who have visited and sent cards during the last two months of her life.

She was preceded in death and greeted in heaven by her parents, Ben and Halcyon Brown; her daughter, Amy Tatom; and grandbabies, Benjamin and Ava.

She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Mel Beeman of Bella Vista; son, Blake Tatom (Diane) of Norwood, NY; and daughter Jenni Steele (Matt) of Centerton, AR.

Survivors also include bonus kids, Dani Beeman of Bella Vista, AR; Bret and Lauren Beeman of Shawnee, KS;  Darcy Beeman of Ft. Lauderdale, FL.; grandchildren, Trent, Ella, and Zane Tatom of Norwood, NY, Rebekah Hinkle (Charlie) of Prince Frederick, MD; Hannah Pope (Errick) of Albany, GA; Addison Beeman of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and Silas Steele of Centerton, AR.

A celebration of life service will be held at Village Bible Church, 1591 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, AR 72715 on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. with a luncheon in the fellowship hall to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Into The Light, P.O. Box 313, Mountain Home, AR 72654 or online at www.intothelightus.org/give a charity close to Barbara's heart.

Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory where on-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com