Meet Tip and Bev: Mardi Gras King and Queen of Independent Living

Mr. and Mrs. Tipton - 2021 Mardi Gras King and Queen of Independent Living at St. James Place.

Make way for the new royalty of Independent Living. Julius and Beverly Tipton — better known on campus as Tip and Bev — are Independent Living’s 2021 Mardi Gras King and Queen at St. James Place. 

Complete with a royal decree to residents stating they “seek to enjoin the imperative of hopeful celebration and the concurrent displacement of despair,” the couple is excited to bring their community together during Mardi Gras. (Read the full decree below.)

“We are honored to have been chosen,” Bev, 78, said. “After a year of fear, uncertainty and grief, we hope to share a fun celebration with everyone.”

The couple moved into St. James Place in 2018 while their health allowed them to make the decision for themselves instead of passing on that responsibility to their children later. Since then, the couple has become an active part of the Life Plan Community. 

Not only have they participated in several fitness classes and pop-up events where they made friends and noted many life experiences they treasure, but both Tip and Bev also volunteer as Cluster Reps, welcoming new residents to their Beauregard residence and acclimating them to their new lifestyle. 

“We initially volunteered as Cluster Reps to help others feel at home as soon as possible,” Tip, 78, said. “In order for St. James Place to feel like a community, we need to care for one another.” The couple will become the heads of the Cluster Reps in April.

After years of making St. James Place feel like home for others, taking over the royal title during unprecedented times is just an added bonus for the pair. 

“As we have told our family many times, we’re in the safest place we could be during the pandemic,”  Bev said. “Following an awful year, we are just glad we can help foster an atmosphere of joy that will continue throughout the year.”

With their son being a member of New Orleans’ Krewe of Tucks, whose signature throws include bathroom-themed essentials, Tip and Bev plan on wielding an ornate plunger during St. James Place’s car parade in hopes of making parade-goers laugh.

“We’re excited to celebrate Mardi Gras this year,” the couple said. “It will be a different celebration than usual, but it will be a celebration.”

Ready to learn more about Independent Living at St. James Place? Contact us today. 

The royal decree sent from King Tip and Queen Bev to residents of St. James Place