Bealuah Mae Mitchell, "Madea", was born on July 30, 1940, along with her twin sister Eula, to Lula Schexnayder and Freddie McGuire in Louisiana. She peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord on September 12, 2025.

Beaulah married Willie James, Sr., in 1961, and from this union five children were born Brenda Mitchell, Shelia James, Willie James Jr., Larry James, and Milton James. She was remarried to Sam Mitchell later in life, residing in Houston, TX.

Beaulah served as a dedicated member and usher of New Bethel House of Hope until her health began to fail her.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children Brenda, Shelia, Willie Jr. (Rhonda), Larry, and Milton (Terry); 8 grandchildren Broderick, Casandra, Roderick, Willie (Jessica), Dwonna, JaRhonda, Tevarus, and Trevino Dixon; and a host of great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; two sisters Rose McGuire of Boutte, Louisiana and LeAnn Dominique of Iowa, Louisiana; three brothers, Milton Schexnayder of Niceville, Florida, Milton Schexnayder and Roland Schexnayder of Patterson, Louisiana and a host of nieces and nephews.

Beaulah was preceded in death by her parents, Freddie McGuire and Lula Paul Schexnayder, former husband Willie James Sr., husband Sam Mitchell, twin sister Eula Guy, grandson Terrell James.