OBITUARY
Beverly Jean Eccleston
12 September, 1927 – 21 June, 2021
Beverly Jean Dean Eccleston of Mason, Michigan, age 93, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2021, in East Lansing, Michigan. Beverly Franklin was born in Lansing, Michigan, on September 12, 1927, to Harold and Marguerite (Harvey) Franklin.
She graduated from Sexton High School in 1945 and attended Michigan State College, graduating with a degree in music education in 1949. Her instruments included voice, piano, and harp. She taught music ed at Eaton Rapids High School for one year before marrying Joseph B. Dean in 1950.
She was an active member of the Mason First United Methodist Church while raising two sons, Joseph Harold and Jay B. No longer teaching music ed, she found other outlets to pursue her talents, including teaching piano to Mason’s youth, participating in Mason’s Sweet Adeline chorus, playing her harp for weddings, playing the piano for Mason’s Kiwanis Club and Mason High School musical tryouts.
After her husband’s sudden death in 1979, she cared for her mother. During this period of her life she met a wonderful retired policeman from New Bedford, Massachusetts, Robert (Bob) Eccleston. They were married in 1985 and split their active life between Mason, New Bedford, and Tampa, Florida until Bob’s death in 1994.
Beverly spent her final two years under the excellent care of the staff at Mason’s Green Acres retirement community.
Beverly Dean Eccleston is survived by two sons and their wives (Kathy and Janet), four grandchildren (Nathaniel, Michael, Elizabeth, and Abigail); a brother (Harold Franklin) and his wife (Cindy); a sister (Margaret Dilday) and husband (Bob); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Beverly will be held on Thursday, June 24th from 4-7 pm at the Gorsline Runciman-Ball-Dunn Chapel. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 25th at 11 am with one hour of visitation prior at Mason First United Methodist Church, 201 E. Ash St. Mason, Michigan.
Interment will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery, Mason, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be sent to Rural Ingham Meals on Wheels, 415 East Maple St. Mason, Michigan 48854.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grbdmason.com for the Dean Eccleston family.
PALLBEARERS
- Nathaniel Dean, Pallbearer
- Michael Dean, Pallbearer
- Ric Benson, Pallbearer
- Kathy Doig, Pallbearer
- Dave Sadler, Pallbearer
- Liza Dean, Pallbearer
DONATIONS
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Rural Ingham Meals on Wheels
415 East Maple Street, Mason, Michigan 48854
Services
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Visitation
Thursday, 24 June , 2021
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Visitation
Friday, 25 June , 2021
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Funeral Service
Friday, 25 June , 2021
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Graveside Service
Friday, 25 June , 2021
Memories
Beverly Jean Eccleston
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYJoanne Lose
27 July 2021
I just learned of Bev’s death and was so sad to hear of it. She was a one of a kind lady. She always loved me and I loved her in return. She was the dearest of ladies…always excited when I called her and even more so when I’d be in town and stop and visit. The stories were always the same but they were a joy to hear again and again. I met Bev through her husband Joe, who I worked with …my mentor, wonderful friend and great boss. Joe and Bev loved to travel around Michigan; he knew I sewed and asked if I would make curtains for their trailer. That was the first time I met Bev and from that point on we were friends. I loved Bob Eccleston as well, They made the sweetest couple. My husband and my children all got to meet Bob and spend time with Bob and Bev. Bev was a dear friend and I will miss visiting with her. Bless your heart Bev, so happy to know that you are reunited once again with Joe and Bob and others in your beautiful family. Love, Joanne
Linda & Johnny Markin
26 June 2021
Beverly was such a caring & loving person. She loved her family & loved people. We were so fortunate to have been a part of her life. She will be truly missed.
Mike and Donna Bergeon
24 June 2021
We can't remember a time when we didn't know Bev, nor a time when she wasn't extremely delighted to see us during a family gathering. She was a real sweetheart - excited to talk to anyone about anything, anytime!
It's almost unimaginable when a loved one is here one day and then gone the next, but I believe that Love nurtures memories and so they live on in our hearts, to be shared.... including the one that Bev often mentioned about me being the pork chop in the frying pan of Mike's heart :)
Our most sincere sympathy and love to all of the Dean's,
Donna and Mike Bergeon
Amy Holtgreive Storey
22 June 2021
Beverly had a spark in her eye, a keen wit, and a loving spirit. She wanted nothing more than to connect with people and feel connected. I feel so lucky to have known her as Jay's mom and Janet's mother-in-law. I know her strong faith is bringing her eternal joy and peace.