A Queen's Journey

   Born in Raymond, Mississippi, to Maggie Lee West and Henry Johnson, Beatrice’s early life was rooted in the strength, values, and traditions of the South. She was raised in Raymond and later in Jackson, Mississippi, where as the first of twelve children, she developed the quiet determination, grace, and resilience that would guide her throughout her life. Even in her youth, she carried a presence that was both grounded and radiant—a natural leader whose life would come to touch many.

   Following high school, she began her collegiate studies at Utica Junior College in Utica, Mississippi. Her pursuit of excellence and her belief in the power of education led her north to Buffalo, New York, where she attended the State University of New York at Buffalo. There, she earned both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Economics—achievements that reflected not only her intellect, but her discipline, vision, and commitment to building a meaningful life.
   In 1962, Beatrice married Dr. Charles Leon Anderson and from that union they were blessed with five children. Though their marriage later ended, the family they created continues to grow across generations.

   Beatrice’s professional career was marked by both leadership and compassion. She served for 22 years on the management staff at National Fuel Gas, where she was known for her integrity, professionalism, and care for others. During her tenure, she created a program dedicated to supporting elderly customers—ensuring that seniors in the community received the guidance, dignity, and assistance they deserved. Her genius became the blueprint for other organization programs nationwide. Her work was never just about systems or structure; it was always about people.

   After retiring in 1996, her commitment to service did not end—it simply shifted. She continued her work in the community at the Moot Senior Center, where she served as both an Activity Coordinator and Director of Volunteers. In these roles, she created spaces of connection, joy, and engagement for elders, bringing both organization and heart to everything she touched.

   Faith was the cornerstone of Beatrice’s life. Beatrice received Christ at the age of 12; at New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Raymond, Mississippi. Then her parents moved to Jackson, Ms. where she joined St. Matthews Baptist Church, and she was active working in the youth department. When she moved to Buffalo, N.Y. in 1960 she joined Bethel AME Church, where she served on the Stewardess Board, a Missionary, Youth Director, and the Church Treasurer. She poured into the next generation with intention, care, and spiritual guidance. Her faith was not only something she believed—it was something she lived, daily and fully. She was a Bethal AME Church member for 41 years; then she moved to California, where she became a member of First Baptist in Los Banos, California and served as the Treasurer.  Beatrice also made her home in Atlanta, Georgia, where she found and remained active in her church family at Enon Baptist Church, continuing to live a life rooted in faith, service, and love.

   She poured into the next generation with intention, care, and spiritual guidance. Her faith was not only something she believed—it was something she lived, daily and fully. She later moved to California and continued her service as Treasurer at First Baptist Church in Los Banos.

   She was also a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the Harriet Tubman Club, and the Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club. Through these affiliations, she continued her lifelong commitment to service, sisterhood, and community advancement.

   In California in 2005, Beatrice extended her legacy of care and creativity by cofounding SHOUT ARTS with her daughter Monica.  a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting marginalized youth and their families through arts programming, mentorship, and community engagement. Through SHOUT ARTS, young people were given space to explore their creativity, build confidence, and feel seen and supported. She, Monica, Kenneth and her grandchildren Imani and Nkosi co-founded the Queer Arts Center (QAC) Gallery in 2020, a space rooted in creativity, healing, and cultural expression. The gallery - a living reflection of her vision and belief in the power of art in all forms - is also where, she had her very first solo art exhibition.
   She helped raise all of her grandchildren and loved each one with the same care. In each instance, Queen Bea enjoyed attending and supporting their school events, concerts and recitals. Cooking with her (and eating her divine culinary creations) was a favorite activity shared by them all.
   In Atlanta, Queen Bea found a beautiful and enduring love in Lou Bonitto—her partner in joy, travel, dance, and music. Together, they embraced life with curiosity and celebration, especially enjoying cruises, road trips, and lively casino outings. Lou was not only her love, but her rhythm, bringing companionship, laughter, and a renewed sense of joy into her life.Lou’s family—especially his daughters, Allie and Dede—became Mama’s own, surrounding her with love, care, and the same warmth she so naturally shared.
   An avid, self-taught horticulturist, Queen Bea cultivated beauty in both the earth and the lives around her. Her vibrant gardens stood as a living reflection of her patience, care, and deep love of life. She found joy in tending what would grow—whether in soil or in spirit—and carried that same nurturing presence into every space she entered. A dedicated world traveler, she followed her curiosity across cultures and landscapes, returning with stories, wisdom, and a broadened perspective that she shared generously with others.
   Beyond her many accomplishments, Queen Bea lived with joy and elegance. She loved soul and gospel music, dancing, cooking, gardening, collecting dolls, fashion, and cruising. She had a way of bringing light into every room she entered—through her laughter, her warmth, and her unmistakable presence. Her life was not only one of service, but of fullness, beauty, and celebration.
   Queen Bea is remembered foremost for her incredible strength and unwavering wisdom, which served as a guiding compass for her family and community. Known for her boundless generosity, she kept her door open and gave freely of her time, resources, and spirit to anyone in need. Her life was defined by a deep devotion to her loved ones and a steadfast commitment to uplifting those around her.

   A devoted mother, a proud grandmother, and a guiding presence, Beatrice's love shaped generations. She is cherished by her beloved partner Louis Benitto and her children: Dr. Charles Leon Anderson, Jr. (Dr. Oneeka Williams), Monica Louisa Anderson Smith, PhD abd (Dr. Kenneth Smith), Brian Leonard Anderson, Charlene Lestina Anderson Ellis (Dorian Ellis), and Beatrice Rebecca Lee Anderson.  She is a loving and proud grandmother to Imani Smith, Nkosi Smith, Nakai Anderson, Nile Anderson, Mark Leon Anderson, Zuri Ellis, and Amaka Ellis. She is also survived by her beloved siblings: Renee Taylor, Derrick Johnson, Sheridan Williams, Velma Bryant, Angela Gardner, Rodrick Johnson, and Christopher Johnson. She was preceded in death by her sister, Annie Pearl Wells, whose memory remains deeply cherished. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, friends, church members, and community companions whose lives were touched by her kindness, wisdom, generosity, and enduring spirit.

   Queen Bea’s life is one of faith, resilience, leadership, creativity, and unwavering devotion. Queen Bea Lives on because the love she poured into the world was larger than life itself— in love, in memory, and in spirit. What she gave—and who Queen Bea is to this world—cannot be lost, cannot be erased, and cannot be undone. It stands—unforgotten and everlasting—moving beyond this life, beyond this hour, and into all that is yet to come.