Beverly Ferguson Stimson

Beverly Ferguson Stimson, Born May 31, 1927, in Beaumont, Texas, passed away peacefully in her home in Austin on June 24, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband, her stepdaughter, Barbara Lancaster, and her son Hugh.

Beverly grew up in Nome, Texas. She was active in the Nome Baptist Church, she took dancing lessons, and played piano and accordion. She graduated from Sour Lake High School in 1944. She continued her education in the fall, attending the University of Texas, where she was a music major. Beverly found her church home at the University Presbyterian Church. Beverly was a faithful member of the church for 79 years. She served in her church in many capacities, including as a Deacon and singing in the Chancel Choir for over 40 years.

While attending U.T. she worked at the Texas Highway Department where she met her husband, and they were married in San Antonio in 1946.

Beverly’s life centered around her family and her church. She was especially involved with her family and extended family. She never forgot to send birthday cards to each family member and attended countless special occasions, recitals, sports events, graduation, and weddings.

In the early fifties, Beverly owned a dance studio, passing on her love of dance to many young children. Years later, she combined her love of reading and her desire to help others as a Reader Consultant for the Talking Books Program at the Texas State Library. Beverly was also a seasonal employee at the Internal Revenue Service, retiring at the age of 85 years.

Dogs had a special place in Beverly’s heart at an early age. Over the years she owned many, but her loyal Bichon Frise, Laci, gave her many hours of joy.

Beverly traveled extensively over the years. She climbed the Roman Ramp to the top of Masada, walked the streets of Jerusalem, spent the night in a Bedouin tent in the Arabian Desert, mastered the Paris Metro, and attended a wedding at Edinburgh Castle while touring Scotland, the birthplace of her ancestors. It was at the family beach house where Beverly truly enjoyed Happy Days with her loved ones.

She had a deep appreciation of classical music, which she passed on to her children. She was an Austin Symphony Patron for over 40 years.

Beverly was the gentle matriarch of the family. Her precious soul has left behind her sisters, Mildred Hayek, Betty Veselka, and her sister-in-law Dorothy Briggs, her children Sylvia Muir (Doug), Maria McMullen (Lloyd), Daughter-in-law Jill Stimson Smith, Angela Alsup (Bryce), and Lannie Stimson. Grandchildren Lora Lancaster, Christi Drake, Burt Lancaster, Jonathan and Anne Muir, Monica Schraeder (Cory), Lloyd McMullen (Jenny), Stuart McMullen, Jon Mark McMullen (Chrissi), Elizabeth McMullen, James McMullen (Brooke), Emily Stimson, Amanda Rule (Clay), Andrea Chung (Richard), Kati Obianwu, (Emeka), Rebecca Winslett, Anna Gozun (Sasha). Great-Grandchildren Lane Drake (Kristin), Price Drake (Shannon), Reagan Lancaster, Emma Lancaster, Will Lancaster, Briggs Schraeder (Amber), Abby Schraeder, Hannah, Emma and Brayden McMullen, Sterling McMullen, Jonathan, Joshua and Jacob McMullen, McKayla McMullen, Davis, Allyson and Lyla McMullen, Garrett Rule, Jordie Stimson, Ethan, Lucy, and Eliza Chung, Cooper, Isabel and Malcolm Obianwu, Grace and Maddie Winslett, Oliver, Owen, and Tatum Gozun. And Great-Great-Grandchildren Karter Drake and Iris Schraeder.

God has Blessed Beverly, indeed.

The family wishes to thank all the dedicated ladies that took care of Mother for the last few months, as well as the nurses from Accent Care Hospice. A heartfelt thanks to Rosie and Giselle for their tender care during the last few weeks.

Memorial donations may be made to the University Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir (please add "choir" to the memo line), Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services, Doctors without Borders, or a Charity of your choice.

A visitation for Beverly will be held Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78752. A funeral service will occur Friday, July 7, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at University Presbyterian Church, 2203 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78705. A graveside service will occur Friday, July 7, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660.

A reception will be held at Elvate Event 15806 Windermere Dr. Pflugerville, Texas 78660, on July, 7 2023, at 3:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Stimson family.