Altus Juanette Beal

February 14, 1922 - March 26, 2017
Altus Juanette Beal

Gifts & Memorial Donations

Beal, Altus Juanette, 95, Beloved mother, aunt and great aunt, passed away in Williamsburg on March 26, 2017. Altus was born February 14, 1922 in Sallis, Mississippi, to the late Leo Andrew Ackerman and Sarah Etta Ackerman (nee Roby). Altus served in the Naval Reserves during the Korean War. She retired from the U.S State Department in Washington, D.C after serving in U.S. administrations from Roosevelt, to Nixon and was assigned to the staff that traveled to San Francisco, California in April 1945 to assist in the drafting of the United Nations charter. Following her work helping draft the U.N. charter, she was assigned to New York City to assist in the establishment of the United Nations headquarters, under the direction of Eleanor Roosevelt. She later served in the U.S Foreign Service. Altus also served on the Mental Health Board of Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg. Altus was preceded in death by her husband Mahlon B. Beal, brothers, Paul Ackerman, Cornelius Ackerman, Jack Ackerman, sister Rosa Apone-Peck, half brothers and sisters, Marvin, John, Pauline, Cathaleen, Mary, and Eulala (Totsie) Ackerman. Altus is survived by her son Thomas Ellett Beal, of Williamsburg, (born to Altus on her Valentine’s birthday in 1954). Altus, a loving and devoted mother, tirelessly attended to the needs of her son Thomas throughout her life. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Altus was a self-sustaining woman having lost her husband, Mahlon, in 1983. She was an astute financial business woman and generous in support of her extended family over many years. Altus had a shy but observant sense of humor and would often enjoy a knowing laugh after quietly listening to a comedic quip that belied her otherwise reserved demeanor. She lived for many years in Arlington, Virginia, and also lived in Richmond, Virginia and Denver, Colorado.  Altus attended Saint Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg for many years, accompanied by her son Thomas.  She will be sadly missed by family and friends at Morningside Assisted Living. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 from 3pm-4pm at Bucktrout Funeral Home, 4124 Ironbound Rd. Williamsburg, Virginia 23188; where a celebration of her life will  follow at 4pm. Interment will be in the Beal family plot at the Fairfax Memorial Park, Fairfax, Virginia on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 1:30 pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to House of Mercy, 10 Harrison Ave., Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. Online condolences may be shared at bucktroutfuneralhome.net.


Service

Wednesday, March 29, 2017
4:00 PM

Bucktrout Funeral Home - Directions
4124 Ironbound Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
757-229-3822

Burial

Thursday, March 30, 2017
1:30 PM

Fairfax Memorial Park - Directions
9900 Braddock Road
Fairfax, VA 22032

Visitation

Wednesday, March 29, 2017
3:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Bucktrout Funeral Home - Directions
4124 Ironbound Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
757-229-3822

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  • March 28, 2017
    Marilyn Nendza says:
    I was priviledged to know Mrs. Beal through her devotion and love for her son, Thomas. She was always involved in trying to facilitate ways to improve the paths of individuals that had more than their share of life's challenges. She was always actively supportive of organizations that focused on truly trying to assist in "making things better". Altus was a listener who heard and was sensitive to others. She will be missed.

  • March 28, 2017
    Margaret Thompson lit a candle:
    Lit since March 28, 2017 at 3:06:30 PM

  • March 29, 2017
    Bonnie & Gerry Shields says:
    Altus was my second mom and will live forever in my memory. As my mother's younger sister Altus was always a part of all things family. We had enormous respect for her dedication to her son Thomas, and her tireless effort to attend to his needs. Her unfailing concern and support of family members in need reaches back many years. She leaves a legacy that will forever be recognized for its depth and breadth. I will dearly miss my regular calls to her, where Altus would often have a burst of past memories we thought had long been forgotten. Our prayers for her are now a part of our conscious remembrance of those we have loved and lost.

  • March 30, 2017
    Paul & family says:
    Altus was my friend, my teacher, as well as my aunt. So much of what I didn't learn in school or understand she took the time to teach me. Our communiqués visits letters and phone calls stretched over 50+ years. It's sad to see her go.

  • March 31, 2017
    Gloria Hoell lit a candle:
    Lit since March 31, 2017 at 3:32:20 PM