Beverly Wade Dirkin

Beverly Wade Dirkin, a cherished leader in her community, accomplished professional, and a woman of steadfast faith, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2023, at the age of 76. Born on May 29, 1947, in Atlanta, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Mildred Chafin Wade.

Beverly moved to Michigan where she spent 40 impactful years in the Kalamazoo area before making East Lansing her home to be close to her grandchildren after retiring. Professionally, she built an accomplished career spanning over four decades in the aerospace industry with Parker Aerospace, applying her profound expertise as a gifted logician and mathematician. Beverly held a Bachelor of Arts degree from Agnes Scott and went to Georgia Institute of Technology and Wayne State University for a graduate degree in mathematics.

Her love for the arts was another facet of her vibrant personality. Beverly was especially fond of singing and choir, participating in various choral groups throughout her life. Among her lifetime achievements, performing at Carnegie Hall held a special place in her heart.

Beverly's faith was the bedrock of her life. She served as a leader in the communities at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in East Lansing, MI and at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Portage, MI. Commissioned as a lay minister, Beverly tirelessly worked on a national level and within Michigan in lay ministry and anti-racism through the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Her dedication to serving God and her community was unwavering and inspired all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Patrick Dirkin. Her legacy continues through her son, Ken Dirkin, his wife Kathryn, and her adored grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Kole Dirkin. Beverly is also survived by her sister, Millie Harz and family, and her brothers Ralph (Lori) and Rick (Patti), as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends who will deeply miss her.

Beverly's life was a symphony of dedication—to her family, her work, her faith, and her community. Her memory will continue to shine bright in the hearts of those who loved her and the community that she tirelessly served. We celebrate her life even as we mourn her loss, remembering the lessons she taught us, the unconditional love she shared, and the faith she upheld.

A memorial service to honor Beverly's life will be held at 11 AM on July 8, 2023, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in East Lansing, MI, with visitation beginning at 9 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Food Pantry in her memory at https://stpaul-el.org/donations/