Beverly Irene Willard, 91, of Peoria, passed away at 3:25 p.m. on Tuesday, October 26, 2010, at The Buehler Home in Peoria.
She was born in St. Louis on July 15, 1919, a daughter of Charles R. and Pearl A. (Colvin) Dunn. She married Kenneth E. Willard on July 3, 1938 in Missouri.
Beverly is survived by her daughter, Nancy Jayne (Verne B.) Powley of West Peoria; grandsons, Jack B. (Lori) Powley of Peoria and Charles J. (Debra) Powley of Normal; great granddaughter, Amber N. Powley of Chicago; great grandson, Austin J. Powley of Mattoon; sister, Thelma A. Beacom of North Richland, TX; five step great grandchildren; four step great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter, and brother-in-law, Lyle Beacom.
Beverly was employed as the Executive Secretary at Security Savings and Loan in Peoria from 1959 to 1985. She served for five Presidents and was also the Corporate Secretary from 1973 to 1985.
She was a graduate of Moberly Junior College, received her Certified Professional Secretary rating in 1963, was the Past President of the Marquette Chapter of the National Secretaries Association International, volunteered with the Proctor Service League and was a member of Bradley Epworth United Methodist Church.
Beverly loved her family, enjoyed reading, traveling and was a longtime avid supporter of Peoria Rivermen Hockey.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 1, 2010, at Clary Funeral Home, 428 West McClure Avenue, in Peoria, with Pastor Gene Colthurst officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Interment will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.
Memorial contributions may be made in Beverly’s memory to the Peoria Humane Society, the Arthritis Foundation Greater Illinois Chapter or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
The family would like to thank The Buehler Home’s nursing staff for their kind and loving care.
Latest Condolences
| Hillyer & Stimeling |
Mrs. |
November 4, 2010 |
Nancy and Verne
We were unable to attend the visitation and funeral of Bev and wanted to express our sympathy to all of you. We remember well Bev as we were involved with Professional Secretaries. Again, please accept our sympathy.
Jeanette Hillyer and Jeanine Stimeling
| Susan Arnold McGahagin |
Condolences |
November 3, 2010 |
To Beverly's family, I wanted you to know that Beverly is remembered fondly by the daughter of her co-worker, Sam Arnold, from Security Savings & Loan. I will always remember her as a very friendly, gracious person. I used to go visit my dad at work and believe that Beverly was my inspiration to become a secretary. I am so sorry for your loss.
| Jim and Sue Evans |
condolences |
November 1, 2010 |
Dear Verne and Nancy,
We are very sorry we are unable to attend the services today. Nancy we are very sorry for the loss of your mother. Please let your sons and grandchildren also know how sorry we are for their loss. We know you'll always have lots and lots of wonderful memories of your mom. She also knew what a great daughter and son-in-law you were and how great your children and grandchildren turned out.
She was a wonderful women.
| DR. Joseph Johnigk |
chiropractor |
October 31, 2010 |
I was sorry to hear of Beverlys passing. We always enjoyed trying to help her with her back problems when she came to the office, she was always such a sweet lady.
Dr. and Mary Ellen Johnigk .
