Beverly Girdley Keeton

Beverly Girdley Keeton, age 74 died on December 29, 2020 in Austin, Texas. She was born in Newport News, Virginia to Mary and B.C. Girdley. Beverly was raised in Midland, Texas where she graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1964. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BA in Liberal Arts. She also received a BS in Business from the University of Texas San Antonio. Beverly enjoyed her time as an Administrative Coordinator in the Department of Medicine at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio.

Beverly had an eclectic personality with a wide range of interests. She was a voracious reader and had a vast fund of knowledge. She loved her time working and volunteering at the Texas Book Festival. Her intellectual curiosities seemed unlimited. She always enjoyed a lively discussion about controversial subjects. Her voice will be missed. She was known for her great sense of humor, dry and uniquely Beverly. And, she loved to laugh. Beverly was drawn to the arts – movies, theater, music, visual arts and was very creative herself with both writing and drawing. She really loved music and had a unique fondness for coloring books, colored pencils and playing video games. Beverly lovingly knitted each of her eight great nieces and nephews soft, colorful blankets. She was always a champion of the underdog and very generous to anyone in need. She appreciated and stayed current with pop culture. She enjoyed watching horse races and adored Derby Day gatherings. Beverly loved cold weather, soft things, little things, flowers and fine dining. She used to say it was the necessities in life she could do without – not the finer things. Beverly came alive at 10:00 PM and could talk all night long if given the chance. She never lacked for words and her vocabulary was immense.

Beverly is survived by her sister, Debbie Crockett of Austin, her brother Bill Girdley of Keller, her nephew Bo Crockett and wife Brooke of Austin, her niece Christian Srp and husband Mike of Boerne, her niece MC Martin and husband Joe of Houston and much-loved relative Sue Beth Lain Alvis of Austin.

Beverly cherished her eight great nieces and nephews Cal, Amelia and Evelyn Crockett, Crockett and Mary Michael Srp, Sadie Bray, Goldie and Birdie Martin, and wanted greatly to be here in March to meet Boots Martin. She treasured her friends that were family, Barbara Boyle, Kathy Rycaj and Karen Viger.

Our family is forever grateful to Michele Keller, Beverly’s aide – assistant – helper who became a dear friend and to her CareFor caregivers, Lynn, Vivian, Sabrina, Maria, Evangelista, Blessing and Barbara.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and B.C. Girdley, her brother-in-law Mike Crockett and her dear relative Jim Alvis.

A private family memorial will be held later in the spring.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Texas Book Festival, 1023 Springdale Road, #14B, Austin, Texas 78721 or the Salvation Army Austin Area Command, 4700 Manor Road, Austin, TX 78723.