Beverly Joan Runels

Sister Beverly Joan Runels transitioned from her earthly home to her new home in Glory. Her final ascent, trading her cross for her crown, occured on October 11, 2014. She was one of seven children born to Ervin Townsend and Inez Areta (Hall) Townsend in Kokomo, IN. Her parents, one brother, Ronnie, one sister, Barbara and one daughter, Cynthia Lynn, preceded her in death.

Beverly attended and graduated from Kokomo High School. In 1958 she met the love of her life, Philip Runels. On May 23, 1959 they were united in Holy Matrimony. Their union was blessed with four children.

Beverly enjoyed many pursuits, including: Traveling, playing bingo, cooking (she made the best "Pound Cake" ever in life), bowling and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.

Beverly was also a member of the "Globe Travelers Club" - a group of friends which plans community service activities and travel for the club members. She would consistently go out of her way to lend a helping hand; offer a kind or supporting word or make a "care package" for someone who she thought needed it. For 23 years she worked at the Tinker Air Force Base Exchange, making many friends and co-workers.

In 1985, Beverly united with the Bethlehem Star Baptist Church where she remained very faithful until her passing. She was a member of the Women's Missionary Union (WMU), where she served as Sunshine Chairperson, always making sure that the WMU Members were informed of choir rehearsal and sending out birthday cards to the members. From time to time, her Fulfillment Hour Class would be blessed with her famous "Pecan Shortbread Cookies." She was a graduate of the Bethlehem Star School of Evangelism, where she gave the graduation exercise speech for her class (nervous - yes but she got through it). She loved to worship and praise her Lord and daily invited Him in with her favorite song, "Precious Lord, Take My Hand."

Beverly leaves to cherish joyful memories and to perpetuate her rich legacy: The love of her life her husband Philip Runels of the home; her loving sons, Jeffrey Lamar Runels (Patricia) Union City, CA; Philip Andre Runels (Yolande) Edmond, OK and Brian Anthony Runels (Katherine) Cedar Rapids, IA. Two Brothers: William Townsend and Michael Townsend (Cheryl). Two sisters: Delores Dixon and Carolyn Carter (John). And the true loves of her life - her five grandchildren: Tessa, Marcus & Matthew of California and Linden & Kendal of Iowa.

Beverly touched many lives, blessed and inspired others, and will be missed by all. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 20, 2014 at the Bethlehem Star Baptist Church, 2704 NE 24th St., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma with Reverend Rodney Payne officiating. Burial will follow at Arlington Memory Gardens, Midwest City, Oklahoma with services under the direction of Bill Eisenhour Northeast Funeral Home.