Barbara (Babs) Trogden Bean

Barbara (Babs) Trogden Bean, age 82, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 31, 2025, at her home, singing the beloved hymn, "It is Well with My Soul." She lived a life of purpose, warmth, and devotion.

Born in Memphis, TN on Wednesday, September 9, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Robert Buford and Dorothy Mae Moses Trogden. She graduated from Kingsbury High School in Memphis, TN, in 1960, where she was celebrated not only as a majorette in the Senior Band and Band Queen but also voted Most Likely to Succeed and a proud member of the Honor Society and the Rainbow Girls. Furthering her education, she graduated with honors from Lambuth College in 1980, majoring in accounting and was an active member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.

Babs dedicated twenty-five years of her career to West Tennessee Legal Services as the comptroller, where she played a critical role in the rebuilding effort following the devastating tornado on May 4, 2003. Her professional journey was marked by not only her exemplary work in accounting but also her caring nature that extended beyond the workplace.

Her commitment to service mirrored her personal life, as she was a very giving, kind and loving Christian lady. Known for her soft-spoken nature, Babs prioritized the needs of others above her own, always eager to help those around her. Her faith was an important part of her life, reflected in her active participation in Methodist and Christian churches, playing the piano and organ in several churches and involvement in numerous women’s groups.

She also served as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, instilling values of character and service in the young girls and she looked forward to her memorable "girl trips" with her beloved friend Cookie Collomp.

Outside of her professional life, Babs found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved spending time on her back porch, observing birds, particularly the colorful hummingbirds that frequented her and Fred’s backyard feeders. Her love for nature extended to planting flowers and nurturing them as they grew and bloomed.

Babs was skilled in sewing, needlepoint and knitting, and looked forward to camping vacations with her family. The holidays were important to her, as she delighted in preparing beautiful meals during the holidays, making every gathering a cherished experience for her family.

Devoted to her family, those who will forever cherish her memory are her sons, Craig Wood (Kristin) of Aledo, TX, and Alan Bean of Nashville, TN; her daughters, Wendy Wood Pine (Jim) of Mt. Juliet, TN, and Cindy Roberson (Brad) of Jackson, TN; and her brother, Don Trogden of Jacksonville, FL. She also leaves a legacy of seven grandchildren: Liana Wood, Liam Wood, Steve Pine, Kristi Szycowski (Adrian), Jacob Roberson, Hope Roberson, and Taylor Bean, and two great-grandchildren. Babs also leaves many loved nieces and nephews, and a special friend, Harrell Phillips.

Babs was preceded in death by her husband of more than 38 years, Fred Bean, with whom she shared countless memories, including their honeymoon at Opryland Hotel, a place they cherished and revisited each anniversary when they could.

SERVICE: Babs Funeral Service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors, with Dr. Barry Scott officiating. Visitation with family and friends will be from 9:30 a.m. until the service time at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Ridgecrest Cemetery. The service will be webcast via arringtonfuneraldirectors.com.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Mary Jo Wilson, Delora Bond, Angela Cole, Delphia Bond, and Kelby Rasberry for their compassionate care, love, and kindness, which allowed Babs to stay in her home.

The family asks that any memorial donations be directed to Forest Heights United Methodist Church, c/o Missions/Outreach, 863 W. Forest Avenue, Jackson, TN 38301 or to First United Methodist Church, c/o RIFA, 200 S. Church Street, Jackson, TN 38301 or online   https://jacksonfumc.org/give. 

Babs Bean leaves a legacy of love, kindness and faith that will continue

to inspire and uplift all who knew her.