Margaret Louise Owens Beam, 83, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Atrium Health - Cleveland in Shelby, NC.

She was born on March 1, 1942, in Cleveland County and was a daughter to the late Summie Oliver and Laura Arrowood Owens. Margaret would become the first female sworn in as a deputy in Cleveland County under Haywood Allen. She would be the Desk Sargent handling the office, female jail and dispatch. She was the last surviving member under Sheriff Allen. When she became a mother, she would take time to raise her children before returning to work for Burns Junior High School until her retirement.

She was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church. Margaret spent many hours reading, cooking and flower gardening.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Owens and a sister Jessie Queen.

Margaret is survived by her beloved husband of sixty-two years, James "Fred" Frederick Beam; three children, Julie Jones of Cary, Nancy Bell and husband Richard of Fallston, and James "Ricky" Beam II of Raleigh; a brother, Roger Owens of Shelby; a sister, Betty Botts of Casar; and two grandchildren, Brian Sherrill of Snow Hill, NC and Jessica Woody of San Diego, CA.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at New Bethel Baptist Church.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025, 11:30 AM at New Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. Jimmy Kilby officiating.

Burial will follow at church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Via Health Partners (Hospice Cleveland County), 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

Online condolences can be made at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Fallston.