Beverly Irene Cooper

Beverly Irene Murphy Blakely Cooper, age 88, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away, Friday, October 29, 2021, at her residence. She was attended by her beloved granddaughter, Alena, and, dear friends Becky and Jerome, when she transitioned to her heavenly home.

Beverly was born August 9, 1933, in Burlington, Vermont, to Gordon Walker and Mildred Murphy. Much of her childhood was spent in Jericho, Vermont, where Beverly was raised, for several years, by her Great Aunt Lucy and Great Uncle Bert. Beverly was an adventuresome soul and, longed to see the world. She enlisted in the United States Air Force, on January 27, 1953, and was sent to Scott AFB, Illinois, for training as an Administrative Technician. Beverly was always a “Looker” and worked for a modeling agency, part-time, while she completed her Air Force training.

Upon completion of training, she was sent to her permanent duty station, at Selfridge AFB, Michigan. Beverly was the only woman, in her entire Division and, one of a handful of women, stationed at the Air Force Base. She was very proud of being a woman, in the military. While stationed at Selfridge, Beverly met a handsome, NCO, named Billy Blakely. The two became inseparable, and were married on March 1, 1955. Their union was blessed with four children: Sheila, Janie, Ronald, and Kia. Even though Beverly, and Billy, were divorced after eighteen years of marriage, they became the best of friends and, were on the verge of reconciling, shortly before Bill’s death.

Beverly is survived by her children Sheila (John) Johnson, Ronald (Tina) Blakely, Kia Kuhlman, and her brother, Felix LaBelle. Also surviving are her grandchildren Alena (Darren) McMurray, Brandy (Joel) Bartz, Christopher (Juliette) Bogard, and Shane (Edith) Bogard. Additional survivors include eleven, great grandchildren and one, great-great granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her parents, her ex-husband Billy Blakely, and her daughter Janie Bogard.

In addition to serving in the military, Beverly spent almost thirty years, working in the Federal Government. She specialized in Cryptography and held a Top Secret clearance. Beverly was a true patriot and loved her country dearly. She loved attending Leon Valley Baptist Church and worshiping with friends. Her passion was dancing and she, and her dear friend, Jerome, spent many a night, lighting up the dance floors, in Bexar County. Beverly was beautiful, talented, stubborn, opinionated, and always insisted on doing things her way. She was our “Diva” and we adored her.

Beverly’s family would like to extend special thanks to her primary caregiver, best friend, and granddaughter, Alena McMurray. Special thanks as well, to her wonderful neighbor, caregiver, and dear friend, Becky. These two angels, allowed Beverly to remain at home, comfortable, safe, loved, and in familiar surroundings. Her loving friend Jerome’s, frequent visits, also helped to keep Beverly’s spirits up.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 22, 2021, at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, Bandera Road, from 5pm to 7pm, with a brief service at 7pm. A graveside service, with Air Force Honors, will be held on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, 9am, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Leon Valley Baptist Church

amily.