Jeanie W. Beyer of Palm Bay, Fla. passed away April 3, 2025 at age 84.

Born in Jacksonville, Fla. on June 22, 1940 at St. Vincent’s Hospital to Catherine Dunn and Francis Joseph Wright, Jeanie grew up on Dancy Street and then College Street. A lifelong Floridian, she graduated from Lee High School in 1958 and attended Jacksonville University.

Jeanie married Larry Beyer in 1961 and moved to Gainesville, where she attended the University of Florida and worked at Library West on campus. In 1963 they moved to Melbourne, where they raised four children (each one her favorite in his or her age group).

From childhood, Jeanie adored animals and had many dogs and cats over the years. She also delighted in the company of her bird and squirrel friends who stalked her for the peanuts she brought on her daily walks.

A voracious reader, Jeanie also enjoyed creative writing, authoring “Riley and the Rainbow” and several other unpublished children’s books that she wrote while her children were young. She went back to school at Brevard Community College in her 40s and then continued her education in Orlando, earning a bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing from the University of Central Florida. She joined the Playwright’s Workshop at BCC and wrote an original comedy, “Virgil’s Breath,” which was performed at the college theater.

Jeanie loved music, especially songs by her favorite artist, Neil Diamond, who she saw in concert on several occasions. As her children grew up and moved away, she enjoyed traveling around the country for visits. She took joy in sewing dresses for her girls and Halloween costumes for her grandchildren .Jeanie will be remembered for her playful sense of humor and silly songs, love of vibrant colors, sweetness, devotion to her dog Rocky, and for her beloved car, “Shimmer,” a green Honda Del Sol.

Jeanie is survived by Larry, sons Dan and David Beyer, daughters Liz Beyer and Barbara Hollerand, and grandchildren Parker, Riley, Christian and Sophia.

A celebration of life is planned for Sat., April 19, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at Melbourne Cemetery on E. Hibiscus Blvd. Colorful attire is encouraged. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Humane Society of South Brevard.