Shortly after Dallas’ Great Tornado of 1957, Beverley and family moved to Los Angeles, CA. Her parents previously lived there with their first child. During her time in California, she began to integrate and assimilate with many other cultures (even learning to read and write Mandarin), an experience that fostered her “people person” attitude and ability to communicate with anyone. In 1968, Beverley and family returned to Dallas where she attended Clara Oliver Elementary School, Boude Storey Middle School, and later matriculated to the graduate Class of 1975 at South Oak Cliff High School, Home of the Golden Bears!
Beverley went on to pursue her professional career as a Buyer and other positions in several technological companies, including Texas Instruments, AT&T, Lucent Technologies, and Avaya. She later pivoted into the funeral services industry and education, completing her professional career at Dallas Independent School District as a Parent Support Specialist where she became a published staff member and community heroine. Throughout her working career, she actively completed two degrees including an Associate Degree in Applied Arts & Sciences from El Centro College and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Paul Quinn College. Beverley was the first college graduate in her immediate family.
Her greatest life accomplishment was her relationship with Jesus Christ and growing in Him daily. She grew in her faith initially at Community First Baptist Church where her Pastor and his wife affectionately nicknamed her, “Bad Bev.” She later continued her journey at New Birth Baptist Church, St. John Missionary Baptist Church, and finally The Called Fellowship Baptist Church.
Her second best accomplishment was being the best example to her only child, April Wesley, pushing her toward ongoing purpose. Beverley modeled a STANDARD into her everyday living, an inspirational approach to family, friends, colleagues, and the diverse groups she served.
Her parents and eldest brother in their union, Eddie Claud Gray, precede her in death. Her daughter and brother, Charles Gray, cherish her memory along with a host of nieces, a nephew, cousins, friends, colleagues, and associates.
Beverley was a “one of a kind” experience in presentation and interaction. The “Beverley Effect” will live on.
