Judith Kay Bean-Lee

Judith Kay Bean-Lee, 85 of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. She passed suddenly and unexpectedly as she always wished she would.

Heaven just became even more joyful as Judea “Judy” joins the celebration. Her vibrant spirit and infectious laughter will surely light up the heavens. Judy touched the lives of many with her boundless energy and zest for life, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. Summing up her incredible life in just a few paragraphs feels nearly impossible. Her life was so extraordinary that everyone who knew her often said she should write a book about it.

From a very young age, Judy was passionate about horses, with her first horse being a beautiful mare named “Lady Dawn.” Her love of animals stayed with her always. She attended Fullerton College, where she studied sociology, reflecting on her love for people.

Judy had a diverse career, working as a model, an attendant for the St. Clair school district, and a proud member of the Teamsters Union. After turning 40, she embraced her adventurous spirit by racing her Ford Mustang and winning her heat in a quarter-mile race. She was also honored as the Queen of the Detroit Boat Show.

Judy diligently worked on her bucket list every day, always diving headfirst into life’s exciting moments with enthusiasm. She touched the lives of everyone she met with her beauty and spirit. Judy was a force to be reckoned with and a handful, but she was loved deeply by all who knew her.

Born on October 4, 1938, in Detroit, MI was a daughter of the late Gladys (DeMay) Jones and Virgil Jones and the mother of the late Melinda “Bean” Samarzich.

Judy is survived by her sister, Carol Sinclair; son, Mitchell Bean (Debbie); grandsons Justin Bean and Joshua Bean (Emily); granddaughter, Lindsay Bean (Adam); daughter, Michele Reposa; grandson Dakota Reposa (Laurel); and her beloved nine great-grandchildren. Oh, and of course her dog Jack, who was her best companion.

In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions Judy would like to have you treat yourself to a night out on the town making memories. Her free spirit was infectious, inspiring those around her to break free from conventions and live life to the fullest!

Expressions of sympathy or memories may be shared online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation – James Island, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-614-8494.