Montye's Story

Montye Elizabeth Beamer, 76, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, October 13, 2024, at Advent Health Hospital in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Montye was born November 20, 1947, in Memphis Tennessee. Her parents were Margaret and Roy Sr Beamer. She is survived by her loving husband and best friend Ken Hooper.

Montye grew up in Memphis and graduated from Memphis State University with a bachelor's degree in urban sociology (Magna Cum Laude) and a master's degree in statistics. She relocated from Tennessee to Central Florida in early 1976. Montye's working career was devoted to public service and she was instrumental in providing a wide range of professional services to several Central Florida counties and municipalities in both management and supporting staff positions. Montye was very successful with her governmental career and earned the International City Managers Association' award for 25 years of outstanding and dedicated service in local government.

Before relocating to Florida, Montye enjoyed the art of teaching and was an instructor at James Madison University, Shelby State College and Memphis University. Her teachings included sociology and law enforcement ethics. She was passionate about her work and devoted to serving her students and promoting higher education for anyone with a desire to succeed. She was a strong supporter of assisting women in their career path. Montye had a strong respect for truth, honesty, trustworthiness, character and valued ethics. Montye was tough and known to have a playground sense of justice.

She was a complex, kindhearted, sassy southern woman, Montye was a very kind and giving person. She was responsible for providing aid and guidance to her stepdaughter (Kimberly) to turn her life around and become a strong woman (now a degreed nurse) and a very good mom.

Montye had a strong respect for honesty, trustworthiness, character and ethics. Montye was known for her extreme generosity, especially for family and friends and anyone in need of assistance. Montye will be remembered for quick wit, clever banter, bright and spot-on responses. She was a team builder and could always be counted on to show up when the chips are down. Her loyalty remained to everyone in her life. If asked to define her most successful adventures she would answer, helping her stepdaughter, completely remodeling their home and her public service work.

Montye was an adventurous person. She loved to travel, and she relished the hours spent planning, researching and getting ready for a trip. She enjoyed several trips to the western states, Sedona, Az, Grand Canyon and especially her experiences with the Native American cultures. She had a passion for musical concerts and enjoyed the music of Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles, Neil Young, Elton John, Jimmy Buffett, Queen and John Prine. She and her husband attended more than 250 live concerts. Her special weekend trips would include a visit to Florida Theater (Jacksonville, Florida) for a musical performance followed by fine food, and always some serious shopping.

Montye enjoyed tropical travel and fishing trips. She enjoyed escapes to the Bahamas with family and friends, and closer to home, to Islamorada and Key West, where she and her husband attended Fantasy Fest on multiple occasions. Fishing adventures with her husband in the Florida Keys and the Everglades were a special delight for her.

Along with her husband, Montye is survived by her brother, Roy Beamer Jr., stepdaughter, Kimberly Hampton and grandson Joshua Bracht. She will be greatly missed by these and her many other friends she acquired during her career and lifetime.

A Celebration of Life for Montye will be held at a later date. To leave a condolence please visit…..