Who Was Lumis Joseph Beyoncé? All About Tina Knowles’ Brother

Lumis Joseph Beyoncé was a member of the extended Knowles–Beyoncé family and the older brother of Tina Knowles. Born on July 10, 1949, in Galveston, Texas, he grew up in a Louisiana Creole family with strong cultural roots. Although he lived a private life away from fame, Lumis Joseph Beyoncé was known as a devoted father, church member, and community figure. He passed away on March 13, 2016, but remains an important part of the family’s history. So Lets Start.
Profile Summary: Lumis Joseph Beyoncé
| Profile Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lumis Joseph “Skip” Beyoncé Jr. |
| Known As | Skip Beyoncé |
| Date of Birth | July 10, 1949 |
| Age at Death | 66 years old |
| Birthplace | Galveston, Texas, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Louisiana Creole (African, French, Native American ancestry) |
| Height | Not publicly disclosed |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Religion | Christian |
| Parents | Lumis Albert Beyincé Sr. and Agnéz Derouen |
| Siblings | Tina Knowles-Lawson, Selena Rittenhouse, Roland Beyoncé, Florence Hilliard, Larry Beyoncé, Melvin Marsh Jr. |
| Spouse | Cynthia Beyoncé |
| Former Spouse | Barbara Beyoncé |
| Children | Terrance, Terrell, Andrea, Lynn, Michelle, Dominique |
| Grandchildren | Deandre, Ledreya Washington, Jordan, J’la Butler, Caesar, Bliss |
| Residence | Webster, Texas |
| Famous Relatives | Uncle of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles |
| Profession | Private citizen and community member |
His Early Life in Galveston, Texas
Lumis Joseph Beyoncé was born on July 10, 1949, in Galveston, Texas. At that time, Galveston was a coastal city with a strong community spirit, but it was also a place shaped by segregation and racial challenges in the American South. Growing up in this environment had a major impact on his life and the lives of his siblings.
His family lived in a close-knit household where everyone supported one another. Family gatherings were common, and church played a big role in daily life. Children learned early about respect, responsibility, and helping others. For Lumis Joseph Beyoncé, these values became the foundation of his personality as he grew older.
As a child, he earned the nickname “Skip.” According to family stories, he loved skipping everywhere instead of walking. If you had seen him as a little boy, you might have noticed him moving through the neighborhood with a joyful energy that made everyone smile. That playful habit stayed with him in name, even as he grew into adulthood.
Another interesting detail about his early life involves the family surname. Some members of the family used the spelling “Beyincé,” while others used “Beyoncé.” This difference reportedly came from a clerical mistake on certain birth records. The spelling eventually became famous when Tina Knowles later used it as the first name of her daughter Beyoncé.
Lumis’s Family Roots
The story of Lumis Joseph Beyoncé cannot be told without talking about his family heritage. His parents, Lumis Albert Beyincé Sr. and Agnéz Derouen, came from a proud Louisiana Creole background. This heritage mixed African, French, and Native American ancestry and carried rich cultural traditions.
His father worked as a longshoreman in Galveston. It was hard work that required strength and determination. Longshoremen spent long hours loading and unloading cargo ships at the port. This job helped support the family and taught the children the importance of dedication and responsibility.
His mother, Agnéz Derouen, was known as a strong and creative woman. She was skilled at sewing and often made clothes for her children. This talent would later inspire her daughter Tina Knowles to develop a passion for fashion. That passion eventually led Tina to create fashion brands like House of Deréon.
The family also had deeper historical roots that reached back to Louisiana and even earlier French-Acadian history. Some records link their ancestry to Joseph Broussard, a historic leader among Acadian settlers. This connection reflects the strong cultural identity that the family proudly carried through generations.
Meet Lumis Joseph Beyoncé’s Siblings

Growing up, Lumis Joseph Beyoncé was surrounded by many siblings. Family life was busy, loud, and full of shared experiences. Among his siblings, the most widely known today is Tina Knowles, the mother of Beyoncé and Solange.
Tina often spoke about her brother Skip with love and respect. Even though they were only a few years apart in age, Skip sometimes acted like a protective older brother. He watched out for Tina and supported her as they grew up together in Galveston. Their bond remained strong even after adulthood and through many changes in their lives.
The wider group of siblings included Selena Rittenhouse, Roland Beyoncé, Florence Hilliard, and Larry Beyoncé. Some family records also mention half-siblings like John Mervin “Slack” Marsh Jr. and Melvin Marsh Jr. Like many large families, the Beyincé/Beyoncé family tree includes a mix of full siblings and half siblings.
Each sibling followed a different path in life. Some lived quiet private lives, while others became known through the success of the extended family. But no matter where life took them, the siblings shared a common history rooted in Galveston, their Creole heritage, and the lessons taught by their parents.
His Interests
People who knew Lumis Joseph Beyoncé often described him as warm, friendly, and generous. He had a natural kindness that made others feel comfortable around him. Friends and relatives remembered his genuine smile and calm personality.
Faith played a big role in his life. As an adult, he became an active member of Praise Chapel in Webster, Texas. Church was not just a place of worship for him. It was also a place where he built strong friendships and helped his local community.
Another passion in his life was golf. He loved spending time on the golf course and was often seen wearing golf clothes. For him, golf was not just a sport. It was a relaxing way to enjoy time outdoors and connect with friends.
Lumis Joseph Beyoncé’s Marriage and How They Met?
As Lumis Joseph Beyoncé grew older, family and relationships became an important part of his life. He eventually married Cynthia Beyoncé, who was his devoted wife at the time of his passing. The exact story of how they first met has never been widely shared in public records, but people close to the family describe their relationship as strong and supportive.
Like many couples, their relationship grew through everyday life. They spent time together with family members, attended church, and built a home centered around love and respect. Friends who knew them often spoke about the quiet strength of their partnership. Cynthia stood beside Lumis Joseph Beyoncé through many moments in life, and she remained a respected figure within the extended family.
Before his marriage to Cynthia, Lumis Joseph Beyoncé had also been married to Barbara Beyoncé, who is listed as his former spouse in family records. While details about that earlier relationship remain private, it was an important chapter in his life. Together, his marriages created a large extended family that continued the Beyincé–Beyoncé lineage.
Meet His Children, Grandchildren & Next Generation
One of the most meaningful parts of the life of Lumis Joseph Beyoncé was becoming a father. He had six children who continued the family story into the next generation. His sons were Terrance Beyoncé and Terrell Beyoncé, while his daughters were Andrea Beyoncé, Lynn Beyoncé, Michelle Beyoncé, and Dominique Beyoncé-Hilton.
Each of these children grew up connected to the larger Knowles–Beyoncé family network. Even though their famous cousins, Beyoncé and Solange, became global stars, the family always kept strong ties with relatives who lived more private lives. Family gatherings often brought everyone together, creating memories that connected both famous and non-famous members of the family.
Through his children, Lumis Joseph Beyoncé also became a grandfather. His grandchildren include Deandre Beyoncé, Ledreya Washington, Jordan Beyoncé, J’la Butler, Caesar Beyoncé, and Bliss Beyoncé. These younger family members represent the newest generation of the Beyincé–Beyoncé lineage.
The 1967 Incident
One of the most serious and life-changing events in the story of Lumis Joseph Beyoncé happened when he was a teenager in 1967. At the time, he was returning home after spending time out with friends. A taxi driver accidentally dropped him at the wrong address, which led to a misunderstanding that quickly turned into a frightening situation.
A neighbor who did not recognize him called the police. Even after realizing he was simply trying to get home, the situation escalated. Lumis Joseph Beyoncé was brutally beaten by police officers. This moment became one of the most painful memories in the history of the family.
Years later, his sister Tina Knowles spoke openly about the event in her 2025 memoir Matriarch. She described it as a tragedy that deeply affected the entire family. According to Tina, the incident “changed my family forever.” It shaped the way the family saw the world and reminded them of the harsh realities of racial injustice in that era.
His Life in Webster, Texas
As an adult, Lumis Joseph Beyoncé spent much of his life living in Webster, Texas. Unlike his famous relatives who traveled the world, he chose a quieter life close to home. This allowed him to stay connected to his community and maintain strong relationships with people around him.
A big part of his daily life involved his church, Praise Chapel in Webster. He was known as a faithful and active member of the church community. Church gatherings gave him a place to share faith, support others, and stay connected with neighbors.
Another important part of his life was golf. Friends and relatives often remembered seeing him wearing golf clothes and spending time on the golf course. For Lumis, golf was not about competition. It was simply a way to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time with friends.
People in the community described him as friendly and generous.
Lumis Joseph Beyoncé’s Cause of Death
Lumis Joseph Beyoncé passed away on March 13, 2016, at the age of 66. His passing was deeply felt by his family, including his sister Tina and his famous nieces Beyoncé and Solange.
The exact medical cause of death was never publicly shared by the family. His obituary focused on celebrating his life rather than discussing illness. It described him as a loving father, devoted husband, and faithful member of his church community.
A private celebration of life service was held on March 19, 2016, at Praise Chapel in Webster, Texas. Family members and close friends gathered to remember him and share stories about his life. The service reflected the values he lived by — faith, family, and kindness.
One unique detail from the memorial service shows the kind of person he was. The family asked guests to send happy and colorful flowers instead of traditional sad arrangements.
Final Thoughts
The life of Lumis Joseph Beyoncé may not have been lived in the spotlight, but it played an important role in the story of one of the most famous families in the world. As the brother of Tina Knowles and the uncle of Beyoncé and Solange, he was part of a family that would later shape music, fashion, and culture.
FAQs
Who was Lumis Joseph Beyoncé?
Lumis Joseph Beyoncé was the older brother of Tina Knowles and the maternal uncle of global music star Beyoncé. He was born in Galveston, Texas, and lived a private life focused on family, church, and community.
How old was Lumis Joseph Beyoncé when he died?
Lumis Joseph Beyoncé passed away on March 13, 2016, at the age of 66. He was born on July 10, 1949.
Who were Lumis Joseph Beyoncé’s parents?
His parents were Lumis Albert Beyincé Sr., a longshoreman from Galveston, and Agnéz Derouen, who came from a Louisiana Creole background and helped shape the family’s cultural heritage.
Was Lumis Joseph Beyoncé married?
Yes. Lumis Joseph Beyoncé was married to Cynthia Beyoncé at the time of his passing. He also had a former spouse named Barbara Beyoncé.
What was Lumis Joseph Beyoncé’s ethnicity?
Lumis Joseph Beyoncé was of Louisiana Creole heritage, which includes African, French, and Native American ancestry. This heritage played an important role in the identity of the Beyincé–Beyoncé family.
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