BeBe Shopp facts for kids

Beatrice Bella "BeBe" Shopp was born on August 17, 1930. She grew up in Hopkins, Minnesota. In 1948, she became famous when she won the title of Miss America. This was a big achievement for her and her home state.

Life After Winning Miss America

After winning the Miss America 1948 pageant, BeBe Shopp used her scholarship money to continue her education. She attended the Manhattan School of Music, a well-known school for music. She chose to study percussion, focusing on an instrument called the vibraharp. In 1952, she successfully graduated with a degree in percussion.

BeBe Shopp also enjoyed singing. She performed with groups like Share the Music and the Cape Ann Symphony Chorus. She was very involved in her local community. She even led the board of directors for the Gloucester Stage Company, a theater group.

Near the end of her time as Miss America, she traveled to France. While there, she was asked about women wearing two-piece bathing suits. She shared her opinion, saying she did not approve of them for American girls.

Her Family Life

In 1954, BeBe Shopp married Bayard D. Waring. He was a navigator during the Korean War. Together, they had four daughters.

Later in her life, she became known by her married name, Beatrice "Bea" Waring. As of 2000, she was living in Rockport, Massachusetts. She also served as a lay minister in the Episcopal Church. She even appeared on TV as a spokesperson for a company that made electric scooters.

As of July 2025, BeBe Shopp is the earliest living former Miss America. This means she is the oldest living person who has held that title.

External Links

• Miss America official website: https://web.archive.org/web/20100206195518/http://www.missamerica.org/our-miss-americas/1940/1948.aspx