Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | March 30, 1913 |
| Birthplace | Jasper County, Texas, USA |
| Died | December 6, 1974 (aged 61) |
| Occupation | Grocer; owner of multiple neighborhood grocery stores in Chicago |
| Spouse | Jeanne Anderson Beals (elementary school teacher) |
| Children | Jennifer, Gregory, Robert “Bobby” Beals, plus older children from earlier relationships |
Early Life
While in high school, Alfred Beals helped his family on their small farm in rural Jasper County, Texas. He worked part-time to support the family from a young age, developing responsibility and resilience. Henry and Susie Beals, his parents, stressed hard work and education despite poverty.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Parents | Henry and Susie Beals |
| Education | Finished high school while holding jobs in agriculture and local commerce |
| Childhood Home | Small family farm near Jasper County, Texas |
| Upbringing | Modest means, instilled with work ethic and perseverance |
Career
After moving to Chicago, Alfred Beals worked as an assistant clerk before opening his own grocery stores. He built confidence with his customers by opening multiple mid-sized grocery stores on the South Side and in Uptown. His companies employed neighborhood residents and stabilized his family’s fortunes.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail grocery, focusing on community-based markets |
| Locations | Multiple storefronts in Chicago’s South Side and Uptown neighborhoods |
| Business Scale | Small to mid-sized operations employing local staff |
| Achievements | Maintained consistent growth, supported family education costs, and became a respected local grocer |
Family
Alfred married elementary school teacher Jeanne Anderson, whose consistent income supplemented his business earnings. Jeanne accepted Alfred’s older stepchildren after raising four small children, including future actress Jennifer Beals, Gregory, and Robert (“Bobby”) Beals. To get better schools and more community resources, the family moved uptown from the South Side.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Jeanne Anderson Beals – long-time elementary school teacher |
| Children | Jennifer (actress), Gregory (journalist), Robert “Bobby” (musician), plus older children from earlier unions |
| Residence | South Side Chicago initially; later Uptown Chicago for enhanced educational opportunities |
| Family Values | Emphasis on education, cultural identity, and perseverance |
Well-Known Family Members
Jennifer Beals, Alfred’s daughter, became a global star, while her siblings worked in journalism and music. Alfred died when Jennifer was nine, but his hard work and stability inspired his children. His beliefs and professional achievements live on.
| Name | Relation | Profession | Notability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Beals | Daughter | Actress | Star of Flashdance (1983) and The L Word |
| Gregory Beals | Son | Journalist | Contributor to regional and national publications |
| Robert “Bobby” Beals | Son | Musician | Performer and recording artist |
| Older Stepchildren | Children from earlier relationships | Various careers | Limited public profiles as of current records |
Net Worth
His supermarket business gave Alfred Beals and his family a modest wealth and a comfortable existence. His mid-20th century financial records are unknown, however he funded private schooling and property ownership, indicating excellent profits. Any considerable family wealth today is due to his daughter Jennifer’s long acting career.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Wealth Level | Moderate—enough for home ownership and private education |
| Primary Income Source | Profits from grocery stores, supplemented by spouse’s teaching salary |
| Posthumous Wealth Attribution | Current family net worth tied predominantly to Jennifer Beals’ entertainment industry earnings |
| Financial Legacy | Provided stability but did not establish large trusts or corporate holdings |
Death and Burial
Alfred Beals died abruptly at 61 on December 6, 1974, leaving Jeanne to raise their youngest children. In Alsip Cemetery in Cook County, Illinois, family and friends remember him annually. His death changed the family’s dynamics and goals.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Death Date | December 6, 1974 |
| Age | 61 |
| Place | Chicago, Illinois |
| Burial Site | Alsip Cemetery, Cook County, Illinois |
| Family Impact | Spurred resilience in his widow and children |
FAQ
When and where was Alfred Beals born?
He was born in Jasper County, Texas, on March 30, 1913.
Alfred Beals’ main job?
He ran several Chicago neighborhood food stores.
Who were Alfred Beals’s children?
His children include actress Jennifer Beals, journalist Gregory Beals, musician Robert “Bobby” Beals, and several older stepchildren.
How wealthy was Alfred Beals?
His finances were moderate enough to enable private schooling and home ownership, but details are lacking.
Where is Alfred Beals buried?
He is interred in Alsip Cemetery, Cook County, Illinois.
