She attended Shawnee high school, learned synchronized swimming at Fountain Ferry Amusement Park, and began her career as a secretary with Equitable Insurance Company in the 1950s. Beverly later worked for a law firm before marrying the love of her life, Joseph Michael Donlon, in 1953. Beverly taught Sunday School classes to elementary students and was a member of Southeast Christian Church.
Together Joseph and Beverly shared 72 wonderful years of marriage and raised four children: Michael Joseph Donlon, Gregory Charles Donlon (Sandy), Susan Jean Smith, and Jane Marie Wood (David).
While raising her family Beverly also worked part-time at Bacon’s Department Store and later at the U.S. Census Bureau in Jeffersonville, Indiana, where she remained until her retirement in 2007. Beverly was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Murrell Ramsey (Virginia) and Kenneth Ramsey; and her sister Melva Jean Seymour. She is survived by her devoted husband, Joseph; her brother-in-law, Jack, her children and a beloved family she adored deeply.
Known affectionately as Mamaw Bev, she was cherished by her six grandchildren-- Ryan Smith (Olivia), Lauren Grodrian (Tyler), Brandon Smith (Jordan), Evan Smith (Anna), and Caroline Wood.
Her 10 great-grandchildren knew her as Grandmomo or Mamaw: Annelise, Carrigan, Maxwell, and Emerson Grodrian; Lillian, George, Adelaide and Walter Smith; Elliott and Callahan Smith. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 16th, from 12pm-4pm, followed by a funeral service at 4pm. Private family burial will take place at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central at a later date.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to The Peacemakers class at Southeast Christian Church 920 Blankenbaker Parkway Louisville KY 40299 or Portland Christian School 8509 Westport Rd Louisville KY 40242.
