Patricia "Pat" Bridges Beam, age 86 of E. Academy Street, passed away Monday, February 8, 2021 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center. She was born September 8, 1934 in Gaston County to the late Carl and Annie Goins Bridges. She was a life-long and a very active member of First Baptist Church of Cherryville. She taught Sunday school for many years and involved with the W.E.E. program. She was a graduate of Cherryville High School. Soon after graduation she was employed with the offices of the Carlton Yarn Mills. She was a graduate of Sacred Heart College and Appalachian State University. Mrs. Beam was a school teacher for 22 years with South School Elementary. She taught English at Gaston College, and also taught at Emmanuel Baptist College. She was a member of the Cherryville Lions Club. She was also a member of First United Methodist Church of Bessemer City. Later in life she enjoyed traveling with her second husband Neil.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband Max Eaker Beam; her second husband, Neil Carson; and sister, Marlene Rhyne.

She is survived by her sons, Reggie Beam (Phebe); Stan Beam (Melissa); Edward Beam (Melinda); and Kelly Beam; brothers, Bill Bridges (Cecile); and Bob Bridges; sister, Libby Lynn (Carroll); grandchildren, Lance Beam (Suzanne), Tyler Beam (Katy), Holly Thornburg (Justin); Kelsey Coleman (Ryan); Laura Beam, Jordan Bingham (Brittany), and Zachary Bingham (Brittany); 13 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at First Baptist Church – Cherryville, with Rev. Dr. Vince Hefner and Rev. Eric Pfeifer officiating. Burial will follow at City Memorial Cemetery.

Mrs. Beam will lie-in-state Wednesday from 1:00 to 2:45 PM prior to the service in the church sanctuary. The Family will be gathering in the COC building during this time.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church W.E.E. program at 301 East First Street Cherryville, NC 28021.

Condolences may be made to www.carpentersfuneralhome.net