Jean Prentice Beaumont (neé Naughton), known to all who knew and loved her as Penny, passed away, surrounded by her family and friends, on March 9, 2026 in Bryan, Texas. Penny led a life defined by love for her family, a profound commitment to public service and women’s leadership, and steadfast dedication to improving the lives of the most vulnerable.

Penny was born in New York, New York in 1941. She had a peripatetic childhood, living in such diverse locations as Richland, Washington, Albuquerque, New Mexico and Brazil, where her father Thomas Naughton worked for various engineering firms, and her indomitable mother, also named Jean, cared for Penny and her sister Anne (known as Annie, or better still, Nini). The family eventually settled in Albuquerque, where Penny graduated from Highland High School and later attended the University of New Mexico, graduating with a degree in Russian studies.

In 1962, Penny married Joseph Taggard, and their daughter Katherine (Kate) was born in 1967. Penny and Joe divorced in 1973.

Later that same year, Penny invited to dinner a gentleman friend, who asked if he could bring as an additional guest an army buddy visiting from out of town named Roger Beaumont. When Roger arrived at her door that evening, it was love at first sight for them both. In December 1974, Penny and Roger married in Bryan, Texas, where Roger had accepted a position as an assistant professor at Texas A&M University. (The gentleman friend eventually forgave them.)

Penny enjoyed a remarkable 26-year career with The Texas A&M University System, breaking down barriers throughout her tenure. She was the System’s first woman Vice Chancellor. Her leadership included service as Assistant Deputy Chancellor of Engineering and Associate Director for Policy and Government Relations at the Texas Transportation Institute, from which she retired as Associate Director Emerita after 13 years of service. Her influence was felt deeply in both the Texas Legislature and at the federal level, where she shaped policy with charm, grace and strategic brilliance. Following her university career, Penny continued to apply her formidable expertise as a consultant in public relations, marketing, and fundraising.

Penny also was the first woman employed at Texas A&M to participate in the Foundation for Women’s Resources’ programs, Leadership Texas (Class of 1988) and Leadership America (Class of 1990). Her dedication to the Foundation (now known as Leadership Women) spanned 12 years on its board, including five years as president. Penny was the first non-founder to hold that position, following in the footsteps of legends such as Ann Richards and Sarah Weddington. In honor of her extraordinary contributions, she was awarded the prestigious “Cathy” Award (named for founder Cathy Bonner) during Leadership Texas’ 30th anniversary.

Penny’s greatest legacy, however, stems from her community leadership and volunteerism, particularly on behalf of children. She served for many years on the board of the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (now the Department of Protective and Family Services), appointed by Governor Ann Richards and serving through the administration of Governor George W. Bush. Her advocacy continued with seven years on the board of Texas CASA, during which she was instrumental in establishing Voices for Children in Bryan-College Station. She remained deeply committed to the success of foster youth, including her work in support of the UP (Unlimited Potential) program for those aging out of the foster care system. Her local impact was equally profound, serving in leadership capacities for the United Way, the Prenatal Clinic, Health for All, and the League of Women Voters, among others. Her life of service was recognized with the 2013 “Champion for Children” award from Voices for Children and the 2014 Jefferson Award.

After she retired from Texas A&M, Penny decided at last to write a book about a subject that had long fascinated her, the lives of the Vicereines of India. Collaborating with Roger, they traveled to the U.K. where they conducted research at the British Library in London and other institutions in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In 2011, Imperial Divas: The Vicereines of India, was published by Haus Publishing. She was working on a follow-up volume, a biography of Vicereine Hariot Dufferin, before she passed away.

Despite the many demands on her time and attention, Penny also was an accomplished hostess, bringing people together with hospitality and warmth for delightful parties, Christmas teas, bridge games and other festivities throughout her life.

Penny is survived by her adoring and devoted daughter Kate and her husband Gregory Mason of Bryan, Texas; her cherished sister Ann Newsted and her husband Peter Newsted of Edgewood, New Mexico; her beloved stepchildren Eric Beaumont of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Anne Beaumont of New York, New York; as well as her nephews, Tom Newsted and Tim (Jennifer) Newsted, and her much adored grandchildren Jennifer (Matthew) Thomas and Andrew Mason, and great-grandchildren Ethan and Abigail Thomas. Penny was predeceased by Roger, to whom she was married for more than fifty years. The blended family she built and sustained with intention and love for those many decades is a monument to her.

Penny’s family is grateful to all those who provided such compassionate care for Penny in the last years of her life, particularly Ebone, Vicki, Helena, Ramona, and Anna and the fine people at Hospice Brazos Valley, particularly Kylie. Special thanks to Jeanette Phariss, whose devoted friendship, sharp wit and wisdom and boundless generosity to Penny and her family cannot be overstated.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 11 at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center located at 1002 George Bush Drive West, College Station, Texas 77843. It is situated on the West Campus of Texas A&M University and is part of the George Bush Presidential Library Complex. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, gifts in Penny’s memory be made to Voices for Children, Court Appointed Special Advocates or Hospice Brazos Valley.