Beverly Jean Dean Eccleston of Mason, Michigan, age 93, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2021, in East Lansing, Michigan. Beverly Franklin was born in Lansing, Michigan, on September 12, 1927, to Harold and Marguerite (Harvey) Franklin.
She graduated from Sexton High School in 1945 and attended Michigan State College, graduating with a degree in music education in 1949. Her instruments included voice, piano, and harp. She taught music ed at Eaton Rapids High School for one year before marrying Joseph B. Dean in 1950.
She was an active member of the Mason First United Methodist Church while raising two sons, Joseph Harold and Jay B. No longer teaching music ed, she found other outlets to pursue her talents, including teaching piano to Mason’s youth, participating in Mason’s Sweet Adeline chorus, playing her harp for weddings, playing the piano for Mason’s Kiwanis Club and Mason High School musical tryouts.
After her husband’s sudden death in 1979, she cared for her mother. During this period of her life she met a wonderful retired policeman from New Bedford, Massachusetts, Robert (Bob) Eccleston. They were married in 1985 and split their active life between Mason, New Bedford, and Tampa, Florida until Bob’s death in 1994.
Beverly spent her final two years under the excellent care of the staff at Mason’s Green Acres retirement community.
Beverly Dean Eccleston is survived by two sons and their wives (Kathy and Janet), four grandchildren (Nathaniel, Michael, Elizabeth, and Abigail); a brother (Harold Franklin) and his wife (Cindy); a sister (Margaret Dilday) and husband (Bob); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Beverly will be held on Thursday, June 24th from 4-7 pm at the Gorsline Runciman-Ball-Dunn Chapel. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 25th at 11 am with one hour of visitation prior at Mason First United Methodist Church, 201 E. Ash St. Mason, Michigan.
Interment will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery, Mason, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be sent to Rural Ingham Meals on Wheels, 415 East Maple St. Mason, Michigan 48854.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grbdmason.com for the Dean Eccleston family.
