Born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on November 5, 1947, Beverly was the daughter of Dorothy Turner Abston and Jasper Abston. She later moved to Texas, where she graduated from Lamar University with a degree in accounting. Though she began her career in an accounting firm, Beverly soon found her true path in public service, dedicating over three decades of her life to the United States Postal Service.
Beverly’s strength and spirit shone through not only in her professional life but in her personal life as well. As a child, she took on the role of teacher, patiently guiding her younger sister Brenda in math and life. She had a gift for teaching with compassion and creativity, qualities that defined her relationships throughout her life. She also taught Brenda to fish, including the all-important lesson of how to unhook a perch without getting pricked, a testament to how she always looked out for those she loved.
Her mischievous sense of humor added to her charm. Brenda fondly remembers a time when Beverly, in playful defiance, chased her around their parents' kitchen table and managed to surprise her with a handful of black pepper, an act that, according to Brenda, is still to blame for her sinus troubles.
As a young woman, Beverly joined a bowling league alongside Brenda, and it was there she met Frank Whiddon, who would become her husband of 19 years. Together they raised two sons, Christopher and Jeffrey, who were her pride and joy.
In 2001, Beverly suffered a massive stroke and fell into a coma during the tragic events of 9/11. Against all odds and with the steadfast support of her family, particularly her eldest son Christopher, she fought her way back. Though the stroke left her physically limited, Beverly’s determination was never in question. She became a beloved and active resident of Cypress Glenn Rehabilitation Center in Port Arthur, where she served as President of the residents' council. Beverly advocated fiercely for her fellow residents and brought joy and laughter to many, even leading daily “train rides” in her electric scooter.
Her resilience was put to the test once again in 2017 when Hurricane Harvey devastated the Gulf Coast. Beverly was heroically rescued by the Cajun Navy, lifted into a flat-bottom boat while still in her motorized wheelchair, and later airlifted by military helicopter to safety. It was just one of several evacuations that highlighted her courage and her remarkable zest for life.
Beverly never gave up. Even when bedridden, she continued to live each day fully, showing all who knew her what it meant to be strong-willed, loving, and unbreakable in spirit.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Jasper Abston, and her brother-in-law, Kieth Fischer.
Left to cherish her memory are her sister Brenda Abston Fischer of Port Neches, TX; her sons Christopher Scott Whiddon and his wife Mary Beth of Beaumont, TX, and Jeffrey Alan Whiddon of Lake Jackson, TX; her beloved grandchildren Jackson Scott Whiddon, Zackery Whiddon, and Trenton Whiddon; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Catholic funeral service celebrating Beverly’s life will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home, 4841 39th St, Port Arthur, Texas 77642. A graveside service will follow from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 3900 Twin City Highway, Groves, TX.
Beverly Ann Abston Whiddon will be remembered for her humor, strength, and unwavering love for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of courage, kindness, and resilience that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
