Beverly Mae Wilson

Beverly Mae DeSantis Wilson, age 84, passed away on November 9, 2025, in Waco, Texas. She was born to Hiram and Verna DeSantis on September 11, 1941, in Beacon, New York. In her young life and beyond, Beverly enjoyed reading, roller skating, cycling, dancing, marching as a drum corps line leader, swimming, and perhaps, far too many late nights playing video games. Shortly after her 18th birthday, Beverly married her high school sweetheart, Robert (“Bob”) Wilson Sr., and began crisscrossing the globe as an Air Force wife. Bob’s military service took Beverly and her family on many adventures including residences in Alaska, South Carolina, Ohio, Washington State, Japan, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and finally Texas. Beverly dedicated her life to supporting her military husband, raising four children, and extending her love and protection to countless friends and loved-ones who also called her “Mom.”

Beverly’s intelligence, love of learning, and natural curiosity empowered her to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1985, at the age of 44. The constant demands of military family life delayed but did not derail this remarkable achievement. Instead, Beverly inspired her children to reach beyond others’ expectations and to persevere despite opposition or obstacles. Beverly’s diverse and remarkable professional endeavors included work as a seamstress, bookkeeper, lifeguard, Water Safety Instructor Trainer, librarian, KOA Campground owner and manager, water-aerobics instructor, and an election poll worker. Beverly proudly transitioned into the role of a pastor’s wife when Bob entered the clergy, and together they continued and expanded volunteer roles in various churches, community centers, and anyplace else they could contribute. Together they enjoyed world-wide travels well into their retirement years, flying if necessary but sailing via cruise ship whenever possible.

Just one year ago and precisely one week before their sixty-fifth wedding anniversary, Beverly was devastated by the loss of her husband. Although she wore a brave smile, Beverly’s heart was shattered and the void left in the wake of Bob’s passing was simply too great to fill. Still, Beverly will be remembered for her warm smile, loving nature, sense of humor, and—more recently—a relentless competitive streak during countless Sunday Funday Uno matches in Austin, Texas with friends and extended family.

Beverly is survived by her children, Robert Jr., Brian, Bruce, and Bonnie and their families, including eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Beverly was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, and her two siblings.

Services in memory and celebration of Beverly will take place on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Haynie Chapel United Methodist Church, located at 16309 Greenwood Drive, Del Valle, Texas 78617, following the 12:00 p.m. conclusion of regular Sunday service