Surrounded by love, Beverly Ann (Bebe) Yocum peacefully went with Gabriel to be with the Lord and her dearest John on April 10, 2024. The only child of Rosa and Henry Scull, she was born in El Dorado, Arkansas on March 15, 1927, where she would live and love her entire life. Beverly attended El Dorado High School and Randolph Macon College, receiving her degree from the University of Arkansas. Beverly married the love of her life John Yocum on June 25, 1949. Beverly and John had two children, Lynn and John, Jr., who were the most important part of their lives. It was a fun household full of love, laughter, support, opportunity and encouragement. The addition of grandchildren and great grandchildren enriched Beverly’s life beyond words. Her first grandchild, Jennifer, called her grandmother “Bebe”, and Beverly has been affectionately called Bebe by family and friends ever since. There was never a Grandparents Day, ballgame, tennis match, graduation, you name it, that Bebe did not attend if she was able.
Beverly and John lived life to its fullest. Beverly was an avid duck, deer and turkey hunter. Ever stylish, Beverly was one of the first movie stars on the slopes of Aspen in the 1950’s. Beverly also enjoyed water skiing in south Arkansas with family and friends. Beverly excelled in all card games and was a sharp, life-long bridge player well into her 90’s. She came to enjoy jigsaw puzzles and frequently had one going on her dining room table. Beverly was an active, lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in El Dorado.
Bebe was the first case of FOMO to ever be diagnosed. If it involved her family, a dear friend, or any activity that sounded fun, Bebe wanted to be there – not in a bleacher seat, but on the front row. Fun was had by all when there was a Bebe sighting at Oaklawn. While she enjoyed the ambiance of the Jockey Club, Bebe preferred sitting in her son’s box with a hot dog and a beer. Typical Bebe, she had too much fun betting wrong at the blackjack table and winning, of course.
Bebe was one of the last of a classic and cherished generation. She lived well and loved large, with a grace that is seldom seen in generations hence. She was a true southern lady, with a hint of spice. You loved Bebe the minute you met her, especially if it was around 5pm. She genuinely engaged with whomever she was talking with, friend or stranger, and actually cared about your answer when she asked how you were doing. Bebe continued to be the life of the party, to live independently and to drive her SUV around town in her large-framed sunglasses until she was 96 years old.
Beverly was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, John Yocum, her brother-in-law David III, and dear cousin and virtual sister Julia Ann.
Bebe will be lovingly remembered and celebrated by her children Lynn (Jeff), Johnny (Jane), grandchildren Jennifer (Rick), Henley, John III and Hunter; great-grandchildren Dylan, Emma, Ethan, JP and Jack, “niece” Julie (Mike) and “great nieces” Alex and Chris, sister-in-law Martha, and many other relatives and friends. Bebe will be present in our hearts forever.
A very special thank you to the loving nurses and staff at Hospice Home Care who became Bebe’s family and our family the last five months of her wonderful life. We would also like to thank Wendy Bullock for the care she provided.
Visitation will be held Thursday, April 18th, 12pm, at First Presbyterian Church fellowship hall in El Dorado, with the memorial to begin at 1pm in the sanctuary. A graveside service at Arlington Memorial Park in El Dorado will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations maybe made to First Presbyterian Church of El Dorado, UAMS Family Health Center in El Dorado, Hospice Home Care, South Arkansas Arts Center or the charity dear to you.
Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Yocum family.
