<BillNo> <Sponsor>
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 30
By Massey
SJR0030
001460
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A RESOLUTION to honor the memory of Sara "Lillian" Garrett
Bean of Knoxville.
WHEREAS, we were greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Sara "Lillian" Garrett
Bean of Knoxville; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Bean was an exemplary public servant and consummate professional
who worked assiduously to improve the quality of life for her fellow citizens in numerous
capacities; and
WHEREAS, originally from Rose Hill, Virginia, Mrs. Bean moved to Knoxville in 1961
after graduating from high school in order to study at National Business College, from which she
graduated in 1963; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Bean never forgot the hospitality shown to her by the YWCA, where
she stayed during her collegiate studies, and for some twenty-five years, she annually held
Chair parties for them with proceeds she earned from selling beans and cornbread, a so-called
"Bean Supper," at the Museum of Appalachia's Fall Festival; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Bean went on to serve her fellow citizens as clerk of the Knox County
Circuit, General Sessions, and Juvenile courts, an office she held for eighteen years; and
WHEREAS, not content to only be active in government professionally, she was deeply
involved with the Republican Party of Knox County, in which she frequently performed in
positions of office; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Bean's impressive aptitude for leadership, a skill she undoubtedly
honed as a member of the Leadership Knoxville Class of 1996, was also exhibited in the
Knoxville Women's Club, where she was a member for twenty-five years and served as
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president, and in the Greater Keller Women's Club-Smoky Mountain Division, where she served
as the Chairman of Ways and Means; and
WHEREAS, her tireless efforts were recognized by multiple awards from myriad
organizations: the Woman of the Year award three times by the Knoxville Women's Club, the
Woman of the Year award once by the American Business Women's Association-Sunsphere
Chapter, the YWCA Tribute to Women award once by the YWCA, and the Republican
Officeholder of the Year award twice by the Republican Party of Knox County; and
WHEREAS, apart from her political and social endeavors, Mrs. Bean loved to coach her
children in Junior Pro basketball, and she also enjoyed watching her grandchildren's sporting
endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Bean was not content to busy herself with the things of this world and
often contemplated the next, being a member of Glenwood Baptist Church since 1968; and
WHEREAS, she was also deeply devoted to her family and always endeavored to
remain true to familial values of the highest order; and
WHEREAS, Lillian Bean will be sadly mourned yet fondly remembered by her husband
of fifty-six years, Richard L. Bean; her son, R. Garrett (Tammy) Bean; her daughters, Sara Lynn
Bean and Rebecca Ann Bean (Larry) Headrick; her grandchildren, Samantha Bean, Savannah
Sweat, Tommy Sweat, Olivia Headrick, and Wesley Headrick; and a multitude of cousins,
relatives, and friends; and
WHEREAS, in addition to her parents, Mildred Hounshell and Fred Garrett, she was
preceded in death by her sisters, Elizabeth Ann Garrett Fortner and Charlsie Garrett Breeding;
and
WHEREAS, Lillian Bean leaves behind an indelible legacy of integrity and probity in
public life, compassion and loyalty in private life, and diligence and dedication in all her chosen
endeavors; and
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WHEREAS, it is fitting that we should remember the bountiful life of this exceptional
woman and human being; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, that we honor the memory of Sara "Lillian" Garrett Bean,
reflecting fondly upon her impeccable character and her stalwart commitment to living the
examined life with courage and conviction.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy and upon proper request made to
the appropriate clerk, the language appearing immediately following the State seal appear
without House or Senate designation.