Jean Prentice Beaumont

Jean Prentice Beaumont, known to all who knew and loved her as Penny, passed away on March 9, 2026 in Bryan, Texas, surrounded by her family and friends. Born in New York, New York on September 24, 1941, Penny lived a life defined by deep love for her family, a profound commitment to public service and women’s leadership, and a steadfast dedication to improving the lives of the most vulnerable.

She spent a peripatetic childhood in places such as Richland, Washington, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Brazil, where her father, Thomas Naughton, worked for engineering firms and her mother, Jean, cared for Penny and her sister Anne, known as Annie or Nini. The family eventually settled in Albuquerque, where Penny graduated from Highland High School and earned a degree in Russian studies from the University of New Mexico. In 1962 she married Joseph Taggard; their daughter Katherine, known as Kate, was born in 1967. The couple divorced in 1973.

Later that year, Penny met Roger Beaumont when he accompanied a mutual friend to her home for dinner. It was love at first sight. They married in Bryan, Texas in December 1974 after Roger accepted a position as an assistant professor at Texas A&M University. Penny went on to enjoy a distinguished 26-year career with The Texas A&M University System, becoming its first woman Vice Chancellor. She served as Assistant Deputy Chancellor of Engineering and as Associate Director for Policy and Government Relations at the Texas Transportation Institute, retiring as Associate Director Emerita. Her influence shaped policy at both the state and federal levels. After retiring from the university, she continued her work as a consultant in public relations, marketing, and fundraising.

A trailblazer for women’s leadership, Penny was the first woman employed at Texas A&M to participate in the Foundation for Women’s Resources programs, completing Leadership Texas in 1988 and Leadership America in 1990. She served twelve years on the organization’s board, including five as president, and received the prestigious “Cathy” Award for her contributions. Her greatest legacy, however, was her tireless advocacy for children. Appointed by Governor Ann Richards, she served on the board of the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services through the administration of Governor George W. Bush. She also served seven years on the board of Texas CASA, helped establish Voices for Children in Bryan-College Station, and supported the UP program for foster youth aging out of the system. Her local leadership extended to the United Way, Prenatal Clinic, Health for All, and the League of Women Voters. In recognition of her service, she received the 2013 Champion for Children Award and the 2014 Jefferson Award.

After retiring from Texas A&M, Penny fulfilled a long-held ambition by writing a book on the lives of the Vicereines of India. Collaborating with Roger, she conducted extensive research in libraries across the United Kingdom. Their book, Imperial Divas: The Vicereines of India, was published in 2011. She was working on a biography of Vicereine Hariot Dufferin at the time of her passing. Throughout her life, Penny was also a warm and accomplished hostess, bringing people together for parties, Christmas teas, bridge games, and other gatherings filled with hospitality and joy.

Penny was predeceased by her beloved husband Roger, to whom she was married for more than fifty years. She is survived by her devoted daughter Kate and son-in-law Gregory Mason of Bryan, Texas; her cherished sister Ann Newsted and brother-in-law Peter Newsted of Edgewood, New Mexico; her beloved stepchildren Eric Beaumont of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Anne Beaumont of New York, New York; nephews Tom Newsted and Tim Newsted and his wife Jennifer; grandchildren Jennifer Thomas and her husband Matthew, and Andrew Mason; and great-grandchildren Ethan and Abigail Thomas. The blended family she built and nurtured with intention and love remains a lasting testament to her life.