Muriel D. "Bebe" (Hines) Hegwood Obituary (1928 - 2018)

Muriel D. Hegwood was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 2, 1928 to Henry and Beulah Hines. To her family and friends, she was known as" Bebe." Growing up she attended Copernicus Elementary and Lindbloom, High School. Muriel was the youngest of 4 siblings, Henry Hines Jr., Wilma Hines Beck, and Marcet Hines King, all of which preceded her in death. During Bebe's young adult life, one of her favorite activities was going to White City Roller Rink in Chicago, where she loved to skate or you could find her at the Regal Theater, where popular artists performed. At the young age of 17, she met and married Thomas James Kea. During this union, Marcet (Bunny) Dolores Kea was born. A few years later, Muriel relocated to Las Vegas to pursue a career as a dancer. While performing as a dancer on Broadway, she was discovered and was offered a role in a movie, which she accepted. This took her to Hollywood, California. Years later, she moved back to Chicago and met a young man by the name of Gordon Fletcher Hegwood. They later married and had one child, named Karen Shari Hegwood. Gordon later preceded her in death in 1980. Muriel (Bebe) was known for her business savvy, and adventurous persona. She loved to buy and sell properties, and even built a house with her own hands just because she thought she could do it and she did. Bebe would buy a house, decorate it perfectly, have a beautiful landscaped yard and before you knew it, someone would ask her if she wanted to sell. She did and always made a great profit. Bebe was the first person we knew who was a true "House Flipper" before it became popular. She also loved to take cruises and travel around the world. Her favorite place to visit was China. When she wasn't traveling, you could always find her playing cards and dominoes. She was known for entertaining family and friends in her home. Bebe was a lover of art and an artist in her own right. She loved to paint and several of her paintings decorated her home as well as beautiful pieces of furniture purchased during her world travels. She loved to try new things just to see if she could do it. She even made stained glass pieces and furniture. Bebe had the best personality and sense of humor. Her wit was something else and you never knew what she would say next. She was also an excellent cook and loved to share her meals with anyone. You were very fortunate and blessed to get an invitation to dine at the Hegwood's beautiful home. Friends and family always surrounded Muriel because she was the first to always lend a helping hand to those in need. Her compassion, warm personality and willingness to help others are the reasons we loved her so much. She also had a rebel and protective side, and it was shame on you if you hurt one of her family members. She leaves to mourn two daughters, Marcet Rhynes and Karen Starks, five grand children, Martez Evans, Rodney Rhynes, Gian Rhynes, Brandon Hunter and Gregory Starks; nineteen great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; seven special grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Wilma Jean Penn, Rosalyn Lee, Warren Beck, John Q. Taylor King, Jr., Clinton A. King, Marjon K. Christopher, Stuart H. King; great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews; and many friends.