Annabel May Bea, 97, of Owensboro, passed away Friday, December 26, 2025 in Owensboro while in the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. She was born September 10, 1928 in Des Moines, Iowa to the late Earl and Helen Eshelman. She attended both Iowa State University and the University of Kentucky. She earned master’s degrees in Physics, Mathematics, and medical physics. Annabel was a member of Walnut Memorial Baptist Church, and was a retired teacher and medical physicist.
On June 15, 1947 Annabel married Charles Edward Bea and spent 46 years together until his passing in 1993. After retirement she went to Bungoma, Kenya at age 65 for around 10 years. She obtained a doctorate degree in ministry from Shalom Bible College at age 69. She worked with a Kenyan pastor, William Ouma with Harvest Land Ministries, and helped start a Bible College, taught, and helped start churches.
Annabel was a disciple of Jesus with strong faith in God and passionate about spending time reading His word and praying. She loved to listen to gospel music; her favorite artist was George Beverly Shea.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Edward Bea, in 1993; a daughter, Sheryl Bea; and siblings, Frank Eshelman, Bob Eshelman, Earl Eshelman, Ruth Rehbein, and Mary Thatcher.
Survivors include her children, Charles (Mary Leslie) Bea, Helen Bea, and David Bea; 9 grandchildren; and several great grandchildren.
Services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at James H Davis Funeral Home in Owensboro. Burial will follow at Highland Park Cemetery in Mayfield, Kentucky.
Visitation will be from 10:00am -11:00am on Tuesday at the funeral home.
She loved the Lord and remained faithful to the end.
The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathens Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301.